California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is calling on other states to do their part amid the coronavirus crisis.
Newsom encouraged other governors to issue stay-at-home orders before it is too late.
“What are you waiting for? What more evidence do you need?” Newsom said. “If you think it’s not going to happen to you, there are many proof points all across this country for that matter around the rest of the world.”
Watch his comments below:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom: "We talk about social distancing but it's really physical distancing. You can stay socially connected but you need to be physically apart. …. That we know can bend the curve, can save lives, and ultimately can get people back to work" pic.twitter.com/tPGnYbO7Nv
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) April 1, 2020
California was the first state to issue a stay-at-home order, as IJR previously reported. Residents are allowed to go out for essential needs and work. The order will remain in effect until “further notice.”
Newsom reminded states of the regret they are facing if they do not issue the orders.
“Don’t dream of regretting, lean into the moment, take responsibility and meet it head-on,” Newsom said. “You’ll never regret overcompensating at the moment so that you’re preparing people for meeting this moment in a responsible way.”
At least 37 states have issued stay-at-home orders. Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Nevada are states that issued orders as of Wednesday. At least 294 million people are affected by these orders.
Newsom urged Americans to continue to follow social distancing guidelines in order to “bend the curve” and so that things can go back to normal sooner than later.
“We talk about social distancing but it’s really physical distancing. You can stay socially connected but you need to be physically apart,” Newsom said. That we know can bend the curve, can save lives, and ultimately can get people back to work.”
Newsom was asked if the curve was bending at all in California.
“While we see things increasing, we don’t see them increasing as fast as other parts of the country,” Newsom said.
As of Thursday morning, the United States has reported at least 216,000 coronavirus cases.
