On March 19th, 2020, California’s state issued a stay at home order for the state residents. Currently, the state is in stage two, whereby essential businesses, office workplaces, museums, retail, and related logistics have been allowed to re-open while observing safety modifications.
Coronavirus has impacted how Californians travel within the state in the following ways.
The Stay-at-Home Order is Still Effective
Despite the re-opening of various essential businesses, Californians are still encouraged to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel. According to governor Newsom, this is the most effective mechanism to flatten the Coronavirus curve. The travel restrictions by staying at home will only be lifted in the occurrence of the following indications.
• If the state will be in a position to protect Californians through supporting COVID-19 positive patients, isolating and testing those who are exposed
• The capability of the hospitals to handle surges
• Ability to have enough therapeutics to handle all the cases
• If public institutions like schools will be able to support physical distancing
• In case the state will be in a position to lift the stay-at-home order
Things will still be different for Californians even after the lifting of the stay-at-home order. Residents will still not be able to travel to their favorite places as before. For instance, there will be no holding parties.
Visiting California Restaurants
California restaurants are open after months of delivery and takeout restrictions. However, Californians cannot pop in and grab a meal in a restaurant as they used to. Restaurants are hosting fewer people to meet the social distancing requirement. To avoid disappointments, residents should reserve a table in advance and mask up on their way in. More importantly, they should respect the recommended safety protocols, such as sanitizing their hands before entering the restaurant.
Immigrant Residents Travel
Immigrants residing in California are supposed to stay in their homes and travel from one place to another only when necessary. These rules are likely to have affected those with ongoing hearings or on the verge of having expired visas. However, those who require legal advice can still get it from renowned lawyers like Jean Danhong Chen. Reputable lawyers like Jean D. Chen are equipped with the latest immigration news hence will offer you the necessary assistance.
The state has also set aside funds to help immigrant residents, especially those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Some immigrants are likely not conversant with new federal rules, such as the public charge law. Although people cannot roam around as they seek guidance, they can still consult immigration lawyers, such as Jean D. Chen. Immigrant residents should work with their lawyers to identify if they qualify for any federal aid or funds during the pandemic. Jean Danhong Chen can also offer legal assistance to immigrants who have relocated to California from other states.
Local Tourism Travel
Most tourism offices have been updating their websites to help local travelers understand COVID-19 policies. Some parks are allowing visitors partially, while others are still temporarily closed. The same case applies to beaches, with some of them limiting hours and the number of visitors. Residents can longer visit their favorite recreation centers without following the commended rules. They are encouraged to make a reservation beforehand to enable the parks, zoos, and beaches management to host the recommended number of guests.
Californians can currently visit national parks. However, they should be on face coverings when speaking to rangers. Before leaving their homes, local tourists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the CDC guidelines and regulations. Despite the gradual re-opening of tourist centers, the California tourism sector remains among the top industries affected by the pandemic. This is because the state has the most celebrated sceneries globally.
Reduced Traveling Has Affected the Transport System
Travel restrictions have hit hard in the transport sector. Most residents no longer use mass transportation modes. Freight transportations cost has reduced because few passengers are willing to travel. The low number of travelers has led to less fuel consumption. This has further affected the transportation revenue. The effect of COVID-19 could cost the California transportation sector billions in revenue.
Californians no Longer Go to Social Functions.
Before the emergence of Coronavirus, Californians would meet up and celebrate wakes, weddings, and religious meetings. Due to the pandemic, residents can longer enjoy being social and attending various social functions. Most social gatherings, such as weddings, have been called off. Religious meetings are taking place in low numbers, and they are held per the state guidelines.
COVID-19 attacked the world in a time when no one was expecting. Most states, including California, were not prepared to deal with a global pandemic. The only alternative was to come up with mechanisms to cope and survive. Some of these mechanisms have greatly affected travel within California. Some of these impacts will be present even after the pandemic is over.