Retailers and some offices could open first in Newsom’s reopening plan. But there’s a catch

At least one Californian sees some light at the end of the tunnel.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday released a four-stage plan to reopen parts of the California economy, according to the Los Angeles Times. Once there are more robust prevention measures in place, smaller businesses are first in line to open.

Broadly speaking, the plan allows businesses and spaces to open based on their size and virus spread risk — the last events and spaces to open would be sports venues, concerts, and other large-scale events that attract crowds.

The state based those four stages on various coronavirus data points including hospitalization rates and availability of testing. The state considers itself in the first stage, which mostly involves building up healthcare infrastructure and making workplaces safer.

Retail, manufacturing and offices are part of the second phase, but won’t open without some changes. The state could require businesses to better support workers if they need to stay home sick, for example.

Retailers, who have been devastated by the pandemic, may be required to have curbside pickup and offices could open if teleworking isn’t an option.

Some people in real estate expect remote working to become a regular practice in the long run. Office managers and landlords have already drawn up office planning guidelines.

The next stage is reopening higher risk businesses like hair and nail salons and gyms, which have been closed in L.A. since mid-March. Movie theaters could open and sports events would be permitted without in-person audiences.

The state’s plan requires that therapeutics to combat the virus be developed before large events like concerts and conventions were allowed to resume. [LAT] — Dennis Lynch