November 28, 2020 - SACRAMENTO – Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) sent a request to Governor Gavin Newsom and Dr. Mark Ghaly, Health and Human Services Agency Secretary, requesting they disclose the data being used by the Administration justifying restaurant closures. The request is timely as many businesses that traditionally serve Thanksgiving dinner have closed their doors for the holidays.

“It is incredibly difficult to make sound public health policy without premising data,” said Senator Borgeas. “In light of LA County’s new data indicating restaurants account for 3.1% of their cases, and given most other counties such as Fresno, Tuolumne or Stanislaus don’t have such information available in this aggregated fashion, I am requesting the Governor’s Administration show us the data, methodology and findings that indicate the rate at which restaurants are responsible for increased transmissions. This is a reasonable request, as we all should be able to examine the justifications driving these consequential decisions.”

An excerpt from the letter reads: “Just as restaurants and businesses have worked hard to comply with your administration’s guidelines, it is incumbent upon the state to reciprocate their collaborative efforts.”

The letter also requests that Governor Newsom provide reasonable modifications for restaurants and other businesses, clarify new CAL-OSHA emergency measures, and for the state of California to explore a state-led paycheck protection relief program.
Source: Senator Andreas Borgeas