California COVID-19 rates at beginning of statewide reopening efforts

The Golden State enters the June 2021 reopening with a far lower baseline of coronavirus activity than during previous efforts in 2020 to reopen the economy. Vaccines have been instrumental in keeping COVID-19 rates low.

*Data from from May 18, when California significantly loosened criteria for counties to advance along a four-phase reopening plan that was later discontinued.
**Data from Aug. 31, when California health officials unveiled the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which went into effect the following week.
Chart: Michael McGough Source: California Department of Public Health Get the data