WEB DESK
The Governor of California Gavin Newsom announced a lockdown in California asking the American state’s 40 million residents to stay at home indefinitely and venture outside only for essential jobs, errands and some exercise. He warned that the coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the state’s medical system.
Speaking at a news conference streamed on social media he added that home isolation was a necessary choice. He reassured residents of the state that they could still venture outside while practicing common sense and social distancing. The announcement came after the release of a letter to President Donald Trump where Newsom warned the virus was spreading quickly and eventually could infect more than half the state’s population.
A spokesman for the state government later clarified that the figure did not take into account the aggressive mitigation efforts that have been made. He also said that he doesn’t expect police will be needed to enforce his stay-at-home order, saying “social pressure” already has led to social distancing. Mr. Newsom also called on 500 National Guard troops to help distribute food after panic buying led to massive lines at some grocery stores.