'Normal it will not be': Newsom details plan for reopening California

A shopper wears a mask and shield while shopping. Pedestrians wear masks to protect themselves from the COVID-19 coronavirus in San FranciscoÕs Chinatown neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif. on July 28, 2020. A shopper wears a mask and shield while shopping. Pedestrians wear masks to protect themselves from the COVID-19 coronavirus in San FranciscoÕs Chinatown neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif. on July 28, 2020. Photo: Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE Photo: Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close 'Normal it will not be': Newsom details plan for reopening California 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

As California's COVID-19 cases reach a plateau, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled at a Tuesday press conference a plan to slowly and safely reopen the state while controlling the spread of the virus — prompting more questions than answering them as he seeks to temper the expectations of a restless public.

Newsom did not give a date for when the new framework will be implemented, but he did say that in two weeks — early May — if cases are declining, he will present a timeline for a modification to the current shelter-in-place order.

“I know you want timelines, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Newsom warned. “Let’s not make the mistake of pulling the plug too early, as much as we want to. I don’t want to make political decisions that put people’s lives risk and the economy at risk by extending the period of time before we can transition to get people moving again. That’s the sober reality, but the reality I think that provides a little light — that this is not a permanent state.”

The governor said new guidelines will take less of a "population approach," where everyone is required to stay at home, and call for more "individual accountability," such as requiring masks and temperature monitoring at certain facilities. Large gatherings are likely to be prohibited until herd immunity is established, and schools and businesses will need to operate under new rules that allow for physical distancing. "Normal it will not be," Newsom said.

Dr. Sonia Angell, the director of the California Department of Public Health, reiterated that the new road map is a modification and not a return to normal.

"This is not about a turn-on and a turn-off," Angell said. “This is not about going back to where we were before. It’s about going forward in ways that are healthy for all of us. But it won’t look the same.”

Newsom explained this next stage will be "the bridge" that will get the state to the point when a vaccine becomes available. He made clear that while the conversation is starting about lifting some of the social-distancing requirements, the state may need to issue further stay-at-home orders in the future.

The state will be monitoring six "frames of focus" in the process of "architecting" the next phase in the pandemic, Newsom said. Those include the following:

Testing and contact tracing: Increasing testing and tracking and isolated exposed individuals will be crucial to prevent a surge of coronavirus cases as the shelter-in-place orders are loosened. Newsom said the new system will require increased technology and infrastructure. Protecting the most vulnerable populations: Those with immune issues, seniors and the homeless population will be closely monitored. Ensuring hospitals are well-equipped to handle a patient surge. The state will continue to address the ongoing need for equipment and beds in the hospital system the need for protective gear among healthcare workers. Engaging research partners to develop therapeutics. The governor emphasize the need for public-private entities to develop treatments to help COVID-19 patients recover quickly and not overwhelm hospitals with severe illness. Redrawing the floorplans of businesses, schools and childcare facilities. Newsom said these places will open under new guidelines that allow for social distancing and require workers to wear protective gear. Restaurants will have fewer tables and waiters will wear gloves and masks. Schools could stagger arrival times of students to enforce physical distancing. In the new framework, schools will also be looking for ways to reduce large gathering of students at assemblies, lunch and recess. Developing the capacity to reinstate more vigorous controls. Newsom explained that the state will likely toggle between more strict and looser restrictions, as things change, as data comes in, as health concerns make them real, we will need the capacity to pull you back in. "That process will be the most challenging," Newsom said

Newsom said the state has teamed up with Oregon and Washington — two other Western states with encouraging numbers — to create a shared vision for modifying stay-at-home orders. A joint announcement released Monday night said "the states will work together to share best practices."

California has been under a mandatory stay-at-home order since March 19. But the virus has been disrupting the state since January, when people from all over the world were first sent to quarantine at California military bases.

In February, California had the first confirmed case in the country of someone who had not traveled internationally or been in contact with someone who had, an unofficial announcement that the outbreak had reached U.S. soil.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The Elk Grove School District in Northern California closed on March 7. Five days later, Newsom banned all gatherings of more than 250 people. The NBA canceled its season after a player tested positive. Disneyland closed its gates.

Since then, more than 2 million Californians have filed for unemployment insurance. State officials have delayed tax deadlines, mortgage payments and evictions as they try to slow the economic carnage wrought by unprecedented disruptions in modern life.

“This will not be a permanent state," Newsom said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.