California's Newsom orders bars to close in seven counties due to COVID-19

Citing coronavirus concerns, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday said that bars in a number of counties are being ordered to shut down. The state is also recommending that bars close in several additional counties.

"Due to the rising spread of #COVID19, CA is ordering bars to close in Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, and Tulare, while recommending they close in Contra Costa, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, & Ventura," the Democratic governor tweeted.

The move comes as areas of the U.S., including places in California, have seen surges in coronavirus cases.

"COVID-19 is still circulating in California, and in some parts of the state, growing stronger," the Golden State governor said in a statement, according to media reports. "That's why it is critical we take this step to limit the spread of the virus in the counties that are seeing the biggest increases."

“We are actively monitoring COVID-19 across the state and working closely with counties where there are increased rates and concerning patterns of transmission,” California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sonia Angell said in a written statement, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Closing bars in these counties is one of a number of targeted actions counties are implementing across our state to slow the virus’ spread and reduce risk.”