COVID-19 WATCHLIST RULE BARED

California has identified three factors that result from a so-called COVID-19 watchlist which would be ordered to have their bars closed, among others.

According to KCRA 3 News, Sacramento County was placed on such a watch list, one of 15 counties on the state’s COVID-19 watchlist.

The three different factors that trigger a county being placed on the state's COVID-19 watch list: elevated disease transmission, increasing hospitalization and limited hospital capacity.

Bars in Sacramento County were ordered to close on Monday after rising rates of coronavirus cases in the area. The order goes into effect at 6 p.m.

The order comes the day after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered seven other counties to close down bars.

The governor recommended eight others, including Sacramento, close down as well, citing the rapid spread of COVID-19 across California.

California public health officials said bars are one of the highest risk businesses because drinking alcohol can impair judgement, leading to people neglecting to wear face masks and keep social distance.

Raising one’s voice to talk in a loud bar can also lead to the spread of more droplets, officials said.