California will fully reopen its economy by June 15 if the state can meet two areas of criteria, but masks will still be mandated, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday in a press release.
Gavin said vaccine supply must be sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated and hospitalization rates must remain stable and low for restrictions to be lifted.
The state will monitor hospitalization rates and vaccine access and efficacy to decide if it will stick with the June 15 date.
"With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, it is time to turn the page on our tier system and begin looking to fully reopen California's economy," Newsom said in the statement.
"We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant and continue the practices that got us here – wearing masks and getting vaccinated – but the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter," he added.
California, America's most populous state, locked down its economy last year due to the pandemic.
California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said Californians must continue to "do our part to keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and that means continuing to wear a mask and ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine."
Other states have already reopened. Texas on March 10th announced it would allow businesses to open at 100 percent capacity.
Arizona lifted its restrictions in March. Alabama said it would lift its mask mandate by April 9.