Why The State Ordered CoCo To Close Bars, Indoor Businesses

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Contra Costa County was one of 19 counties ordered Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom to immediately close bars and several indoor businesses.

The decision came as the county reported an increase in hospitalizations and a rise in community transmission rates of the coronavirus as residents started to resume normal routines and re-engage in public life, according to the state Department of Public Health. The state order will remain in place for at least three weeks.

Though the state at least temporarily put the kibosh on Contra Costa County's ability to open bars, indoor dining and other venues, the county had already delayed reopening plans. Indoor dining, gyms and fitness centers, indoor museums, hotels and other leisure venues were initially scheduled to open July 1, but the county reversed course Monday, expressing concern about new developments in COVID-19 data.

More young people began testing positive for the coronavirus and the seven-day average number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations increased by 75% from June 15 to June 29, the county said Monday.

The state said it will work closely with public health departments in Contra Costa County and elsewhere to address concerning issues.

Here's what the state wants to see happen in Contra Costa County:

• Partnerships with community organizations to spread the word about face coverings, prevention techniques and the importance of testing;
• Work with health care providers to prepare for a surge in COVID-19 cases, and keep a close eye on hospitalizations;
• Continue to teach skilled nursing and other care facilities about how to properly use protective gear and follow infection control practices; and
• Explain to the community why it's important to work with health department contact tracers, to help prevent friends and family from getting sick.

Other counties being monitored by the state include Solano, Fresno, Glenn, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Merced, Orange, Riverside, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Tulare and Ventura.

Contra Costa County reported a total of 3,248 cases as of Thursday, with 116 cases diagnosed in the past 24 hours.