skip to main content

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center

California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

resource search icon

Description of Program and Relief

Guidance Regarding Reopening

On April 28, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the Resilience Roadmap, a four-stage plan for reopening California. Stage 1 was governed by the statewide stay-at-home order, which went into effect on March 19, 2020. Stage 2 allows lower-risk workplaces to reopen under specific guidelines. Stage 3 allows higher-risk workplaces to reopen under specific guidelines. Stage 4 ends the stay-at-home order and allows highest-risk venues, such as concert halls and sports arenas, to reopen.

On May 8, 2020, California started the first phase of Stage 2 by allowing Californians to gradually reopen some lower-risk businesses and public spaces, with new regulations in place. In this stage, if there are no countervailing city or county restrictions, curbside or delivery-based retail can reopen. Additionally, related manufacturing and logistics/warehousing facilities can also reopen, as long as workers can be properly distanced and other regulations are met.

Effective July 13, 2020, due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, the Governor has implemented certain roll-back measures. For example, all counties state-wide must close indoor operations in such sectors as dine-in restaurants, wineries and movie theatres. Additionally, businesses operating as bars must close both indoor and outdoor operations unless offering sit-down/outdoor dining meals. For detailed industry-specific guidance, see here.

Before reopening, all facilities should: (1) perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan; (2) train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them; (3) implement individual control measures and screenings; (4) implement disinfecting protocols; and (5) implement physical distancing guidance.

Businesses should check for any additional city or county restrictions, which can be found here, before proceeding under the Resilience Roadmap. Under the Governor’s plan, certain business sectors in particular counties can reopen more quickly than the state order allows, so long as the counties’ plans meet certain criteria, which can be found here. For example, while hair salons and barbershops are not permitted to open statewide, they have been permitted to reopen on a county-by-county basis in keeping with guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, which can be found here. Conversely, regions with stricter restrictions, like the Bay Area, can keep those restrictions in place.

Government or Lead Agency

California Office of the Governor

Dates Available

Stage 2 reopening is effective as of May 8, 2020. Rollbacks were implemented July 13, 2020.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

For industry-specific guidance on reopening, see here.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

For general information about state COVID-19 resources, call 1-833-422-4255 (1-833-4CA4ALL).

List of Additional Information

For Governor Newsom’s Press Release on Stage 2 of reopening, see here.

For information on the modifications to the stay-at-home order, see here.

For California’s roadmap to reopening, see here and here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

Awards & Recognition

Deniz Gurbuz Named American Bar Association 2021 “On the Rise” Honoree

  • Jun 29, 2021
  • Awards

Deniz Gurbuz Named American Bar Association 2021 “On the Rise” Honoree

Corporate associate Deniz Gurbuz was named to the American Bar Association’s 2021 “On the Rise” program.

Paul, Weiss Ranks in Top 10 in The American Lawyer Pro Bono Scorecard

  • Jun 28, 2021
  • Awards

Paul, Weiss Ranks in Top 10 in The American Lawyer Pro Bono Scorecard

Paul, Weiss was ranked among the top 10 firms for “National Pro Bono” by The American Lawyer Pro Bono Scorecard.

Brad Karp Interviewed by NYLJ for 2020 Innovation Award

  • Oct 20, 2020
  • Awards

Brad Karp Interviewed by NYLJ for 2020 Innovation Award

Firm chairman and litigation partner Brad Karp was interviewed by the New York Law Journal as part of the publication’s recognition of the firm for a 2020 “Innovation” award.

Paul, Weiss Wins NYLJ’s 2020 Innovation Award

  • Jun 26, 2020
  • Awards

Paul, Weiss Wins NYLJ’s 2020 Innovation Award

Paul, Weiss has been recognized with the New York Law Journal’s 2020 “Innovation Award” as part of the publication’s annual Professional Excellence Awards.

LOAD MORE SHOW LESS View More

© 2024 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Privacy Policy