As Covid-19 cases continue a downward slide in California, officials are preparing to reopen sectors, including potentially allowing fans attend Major League Baseball games in person.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he has held “advanced conversations” with MLB and county health officials, that may soon allow fans to return to cheering for their baseball teams in person, adding that he expects details to be released “very, very shortly.”
"If we don't let down our guard,” the governor said at a vaccination event at California State University, Long Beach, “I have all the confidence in the world fans will be back safely in a lot of those outdoor venues."
Citing a case rate “among the lowest in America,” hospitalization rates, and intensive care admissions dropping by more than 40% in the past two weeks, Newsom warned it’s “not mission accomplished yet.” Nearly 9.5 million vaccine doses have been administered to date, he said, boasting that only six other countries in the world have vaccinated more people than California.
About a dozen counties, possibly including Los Angeles and Orange counties, are expected to move out of the state’s most restrictive tier by next week. Currently, 40 of the state’s 58 counties remain under the most stringent restrictions, forcing the closure of indoor dining and other nonessential activities.
Virus mutations remain a concern as the variant first seen in New York has now been detected in California. For the first time, the Brazil variant has been detected in Los Angeles County, according to Health Director Barbara Ferrer.