Gov. Newsom outlines what needs to happen for state to change stay-at-home order

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom has released an outline of what will need to happen for the state to begin modifying the statewide stay-at-home order.

The state will look at six "key indicators" that will guide California's thinking for when and how to modify the order, he announced Tuesday.

The "roadmap" will take into account the state's ability to ensure care for the sick within the hospital system, prevent infection in people who are high-risk, build the capacity to protect the health of the public, and reduce social, economic and emotional disruptions.

Newsom said the state has done a good job in flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases which has helped prepare the health care system. But the stay at home order has made a major impact on the economy and the overall health care in the state.

Newsom said any modifications of the stay-at-home order will be done using a "gradual, science-based and data-driven framework."

“While Californians have stepped up in a big way to flatten the curve and buy us time to prepare to fight the virus, at some point in the future we will need to modify our stay-at-home order,” said Newsom in a news release. “As we contemplate reopening parts of our state, we must be guided by science and data, and we must understand that things will look different than before.” 

California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order are: 

• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand
• The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

There is not a precise timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order, but these six indicators will serve as the framework for making that decision.

"I know you want a timeline," Newsom said in his daily briefing. "But we can't get ahead of ourselves and dream of regretting. Let's not make the mistake of pulling the plug too early, as much as we all want to."

If the order is modified, things may still look different for the time being, Newsom said. Restaurants could reopen, but with fewer tables, and classrooms might be reconfigured to encourage continued physical distancing.

Newsom held a daily news briefing on Tuesday to outline the state's plan.

Click here to view "California's Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order" in its entirety.