Restaurants and bars across California forced to close

California governor Gavin Newsom has shut down indoor restaurants, tasting rooms, breweries and bars across the state due to a spike in coronavirus cases.

Chef Thomas Keller of the three star The French Laundry in Yountville will not be able to serve diners indoors

As reported by Eater Los Angeles, last week Newsom called for hospitality venues to close in certain California counties where Covid-19 cases were spiking.

Yesterday however, the closures were extended to the entire state of California due to an increasing number of residents being hospitalised with the virus.

Outdoor dining and delivery services are currently permitted in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura County.

According to Eater, restaurants in Alameda County are not permitted to serve food outdoors.

California has now confirmed over 325,000 coronavirus cases, and registered 7,000 deaths. Intensive care units are operating at or above maximum capacity.

The recent rise in Covid-19 cases has been linked to the phased reopening of indoor venues like shops, restaurants, bars, breweries and gyms in the state.

Last week we reported that a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases forced indoor venues in Napa County, including tasting rooms, to close on 9 July.

In a statement released by California governor Gavin Newsom, it was announced that the new restrictions in Napa County would come into play at 12:01 am on Thursday 9 July.