California reopens, says goodbye to most COVID-19 rules

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California, the first state in America to put in place a coronavirus lockdown, is now turning a page on the pandemic.

At the stroke of midnight, California lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions and ushered in the state’s “Grand Reopening.” Most of California’s coronavirus restrictions will disappear Tuesday. There will be no more state rules on social distancing and no more limits on capacity at restaurants, bars, supermarkets, gyms, stadiums or anywhere else.

Masks have been one of the most symbolic and fraught symbols of the pandemic. Now, they will no longer be mandated by the state in many situations.