California said Monday it is lifting a regional order that called on residents to stay home except for "essential activities" as the state cited "positive signs" about the spread of COVID-19. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has long been one of the most hawkish state executives on pandemic restrictions. Newsom instituted this more recent regional stay-at-home order in early December before extending it in late December. FOX 5 reported earlier Monday that Newsom was expected to lift the stay-at-home order. Newsom and California have also been the subject of lawsuits from business owners and parents over the state's closures of businesses and in-person dining.

Source: Fox News January 25, 2021 16:21 UTC