More than 110,000 restaurants closed permanently in the US as a result of COVID measures, according to an estimate by the National Restaurant Association. California has the lion share of those national closures because it had the most restrictive measures against restaurants. At the time the Golden State, under direction from Governor Gavin Newsom, only allowed restaurants to carry-out or deliver. Not even outdoor dining. Why?
Not because it spreads the virus, which is what health officials were saying without evidence. After a judge ruled that California’s COVID shutdowns were an abuse of power, the reason finally came out: the state wanted to limit your access to dining, salons, and all outdoor activity so you will stay home. It was about control.
On December 9, 2020, ten days after the judge’s order, Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s secretary of Health and Human Services, said the closures were about “reducing movement.” Not slowing the spread. Not public safety. Not freedom to go where you wanted. But “reducing movement.” Busted.
