SeeCalifornia.com

When California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom called yesterday for home isolation for all seniors 65 and older in the state and closure of all bars, brewpubs and wineries to close in California to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, some applauded, but many were left scratching their heads wondering.

We surveyed the top wine consortium websites and some favorite wineries and drinking establishments sure to be prepped for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Few had made declarations that they’re shuttered.

We also visited the State tourism agency and city tourism groups with few answers about about closures. Many destination marketing firms gave links to the CDC and other sources, while continuing to provide lists of best bars and pubs to drink, dance and celebrate 2020 St. Patty’s Day.

Obviously the situation is fluid, rapidly changing and there are many details to be worked out…such as…can a bar or winery remain open if it serves food? What if a restaurant is part of its business?

For the issue of self isolation of seniors–how is that supposed to work? As of this posting Amazon Fresh and other delivery services have no available delivery slots for up to a month in services areas throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco. Seniors cannot live without basics such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc., and the governor has offered no plan to deal with accessibility of basics for the most vulnerable.

“We need to meet this moment head-on, and lean in … and own this moment and take actions that we think are commensurate with the need to protect the most vulnerable Californians,” Newsom said…great soundbite, but seniors need food bites.

Newsom didn’t provide a timeline for how long bars, wineries, brewpubs and nightclubs should be closed, nor did he issue the order under threat of enforcement from the state. He said he hopes establishments will follow the order on their own accord. The state does have the authority to begin enforcing the order if needed, he said.

Newsom says there may be further actions on this front.