Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced his intentions to fully reopen California economy by June 15 if the current pace of vaccinations continues, lifting all COVID-related restrictions on businesses.

California, the first state in the US to issue a blanket stay-at-home order last March, was widely praised for its early handling of the pandemic.

It suffered a severe winter COVID-19 spike, becoming one of the nation’s epicenters for the deadly virus, but saw a steep decline in infections from mid-January. In recent weeks, cases have remained low even as they have risen elsewhere in the US.

“We can confidently say by June 15th that we can start to open up, as business as usual, subject to ongoing mask-wearing and ongoing vigilance,” Newsom told a press conference.

“The state will end its tier-based reopening blueprint provided there are no coronavirus infection spikes or vaccine supply shortages”, said Newsom.

Newsom added that all businesses will be free to reopen, with Californians encouraged to follow “common-sense risk reduction measures.”

Also read: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial on children halted over adult clotting probe

Large-scale indoor events, such as conventions, will be allowed to occur with testing or vaccination verification requirements.

The changes will simultaneously affect the entire state of 40 million people, which boasts the United States’ largest economy.

The nation’s most populous state has administered 20 million vaccine doses, and new infections remain low after rapidly declining since January.

“We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic… the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter,” said Newsom in a separate statement.

However, the state will retain “the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed,” and will monitor vaccine efficacy against variants.

Newsom has been under pressure to reopen the economy, and is facing a likely recall election following a petition to remove him, fueled in part by his handling of the pandemic.