California shuts down as governor orders 40 million residents to stay home

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday night ordered residents in America's largest state to mostly stay at home, imposing the most severe restrictions yet aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus.

The order will impact the state's population of approximately 40 million people "until further notice."

"The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to follow the federal critical infrastructure sectors," a state coronavirus response website says.

"Those that work in critical sectors should go to work. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and more will stay open," the governor tweeted.

Some of the places that will be closed include: "Dine-in restaurants," "Bars and nightclubs," "Entertainment venues," "Gyms and fitness studios," "Public events and gatherings" and "Convention Centers."