On April 6, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to lift all COVID-19 virus restrictions by June 15, 2021. The full reopening is contingent on both (1) sufficient vaccine supply to ensure that all Californians age 16 and over who wish to be inoculated are able to do so and (2) stable and low hospitalization rates. The full reopening would mean an official end to California’s color-coded tier system.

It remains unclear what restrictions may remain under the full reopening but Governor Newsom specified that some form of mask mandate will remain. The California Department of Public Health will also continue to monitor case rates, hospitalizations and vaccine efficacy and reserves the right to move the June 15, 2021 date if it deems necessary.

Newsom’s announcement comes as California surpasses 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered.