Governor Newsom announces 4 phases to reopen businesses and schools.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday the next academic year could start as early as the end of July or beginning of August, though there will likely be some modifications. For students, he said, a return could take place as soon as July not a concrete answer yet.

Once California health officials and epidemiologists have widespread testing capability available and are confident the growth in number of cases has slowed, Ca Gov. Newsom will modify the stay-at-home order to allow low-risk businesses and public spaces to reopen.

Gyms, churches, nail salons, bars and sporting events will have to wait until stages 3 and 4.

Stage 1: Everyone is either staying at home or a member of the essential workforce. This is the stage we are in now, and will stay in until a modification to the statewide stay-at-home order. Stage 2: Reopening lower risk workplaces, including:

• Non-essential manufacturing (toys, furniture, clothing, etc.)

• Schools

• Childcare facilities

• Retail businesses for curbside pick-up

• Offices where working remotely isn't possible, but can be modified to make the environment safer for employees

Stage 3: Reopening higher risk workplaces, which require close proximity to other people, including:

• Hair salons

• Nail salons

• Gyms

• Movie theaters

• Sporting events without live audiences

• In-person religious services (churches and weddings)

Stage 4: Ending the stay-at-home order, which would allow for the reopening of:

• Concert venues

• Convention centers

• Sporting events with live audiences

On the question of when we may be able to move from the first stage to the second, Newsom said he believes we are "weeks, not months away." Stage 3 and 4, however, are "months, not weeks" in the future. Moving into Stage 2 will require a modification of the statewide stay-at-home order, but once we enter the second stage, local governments will have more options. At that point, counties will be allowed to relax restrictions more quickly or more slowly, based on conditions at the local level.