California government Newsom apologizes for flouting own COVID guidelines to attend party as state affairs surpass one million

California Governor Gavin Newsom apologized on Friday for attending a birthday party that appeared to violate coronavirus safety protocols he had promulgated. Meanwhile, California has reported more than one million positive cases of COVID-19, indicating a coronavirus outbreak in the state.

The dinner, held outside of The French Laundry restaurant in Napa County, brought together at least 12 people from different households. California coronavirus guidelines say mass gatherings involving more than 3 households are not allowed. California is seeing an increase in coronavirus cases, hitting more than one million positive cases on Friday. Newsom urged Californians to avoid large gatherings.

“Although our family followed restaurant health protocols and taken safety precautions, we should have acted better and not attended the dinner,” Newsom’s office said in a statement to Newsweek Friday.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), outdoor gatherings are “significantly safer” than indoor events. The recommendations also state that gatherings of more than 3 households are prohibited. “Remember, the smaller the number,” says the CRPD website, “the safer it is”.

The California Republican Party juxtaposed Newsom’s recommendations on the coronavirus with his presence at the birthday party in a Friday tweet that said Newsom “seems to speak on both sides of its mouth.”

California reported on Friday that viral test positivity rates had increased from 3% to 4%. COVID-19 hospitalization rates have increased by more than 30% in 14 days. Due to the increase in coronavirus cases, Newsom has announced a non-essential travel advisory.

“The increase in cases is increasing the pressure on our hospital systems and threatening the lives of the elderly, essential workers and vulnerable Californians,” Newsom’s office said in a statement Friday. “Travel increases the risk of the spread of COVID-19, and we all collectively need to step up our efforts right now to keep the virus at bay and save lives.”

Non-essential travel advisories issued by the CRPD on Friday call on all people arriving in California, nationally and internationally, to self-quarantine for 14 days. California residents returning to the state are included in the notices, but people who must cross state or country borders for essential travel are exempt.

California’s strict coronavirus mitigation guidelines are expected to be in place during the holidays. California Health Secretary Dr Mark Ghaly on Friday recommended small Thanksgiving gatherings that only included immediate family members.

“The safest gatherings are still those held at home with members of your own household,” Ghaly said in a briefing Friday. “We encourage Californians to come together virtually whenever possible.” Ghaly also recommended shortening the time people spend together.

Recent data has shown a total of 1,017,123 positive COVID-19 cases in California with 18,221 deaths attributable to the coronavirus.