Governor Newsom closes ALL bars in LA and six other California counties

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all bars to close immediately in seven counties across the state – including Los Angeles – citing a rapid spread of coronavirus in the last few days.

Newsom’s decision to roll-back reopening efforts, which began just under a month ago, comes two days after similar precautions were taken by Republican governors in Texas and Florida, two states who are also grappling with a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.

The decision was announced by the governor’s state public health director, Dr. Sonia Angell on Sunday afternoon. 

Bars in the seven counties immediately impacted by the state order are: Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, San Joaquin, Tulare, Kings and Imperial. 

All of the listed counties have been on the state’s watch list for at least two weeks, officials said. Seven of the counties, excluding LA, are located in the Central Valley, which has seen a rapid increase in infection rates. 

‘Californians must remain vigilant against this virus,’ Newsom said in a statement. ‘COVID-19 is still circulating in California, and in some parts of the state, growing stronger. That’s why it is critical we take this step to limit the spread of the virus in the counties that are seeing the biggest increases.’

Eight other countries have been advised to implement similar closures, however were not ordered to do so. Among those counties is Santa Clara, Riverside and Sacramento.

This is a developing story