The California Apartment Association today welcomed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to fully reopen the state’s economy in a little more than two months.

Newsom announced the reopening plan for California this week, saying a full reopening will occur on June 15, so long as the state has a sufficient vaccine supply for those 16 and older, and hospitalization rates are stable and low.

The governor’s announcement came as California reached a milestone in its battle against COVID-19, having administered 20 million doses, including 4 million in the state’s hardest-hit communities.

Even after the planned reopening, Californians will still be expected to wear masks and take common-sense measures to reduce the risk of COVID transmission.

For the rental housing and apartment industry, a plan to reopen the economy by mid-June comes as welcome news, said Tom Bannon, CAA’s chief executive officer.

“We applaud Gov. Newsom for helping expedite the vaccination of millions of Californians and providing a tangible date for reopening,” Bannon said. “If all goes as planned, our members and their residents can look forward to normal summertime activities, like sharing the community swimming pool, working out in apartment fitness centers and taking apartment tours in person — things many of us took for granted before COVID.”

Bannon urged rental housing providers and residents to continue taking precautions and to get vaccinated when its their turn.

“We are so close to beating this pandemic,” he said. “Let’s stay vigilant so we can finally put COVID behind us.”

Bannon also thanked Newsom for his efforts to hasten the distribution of federal rent relief dollars to rental housing providers and residents who have struggled to make ends meet for more than a year.

He added, “We’re hopeful that the combination of rent relief dollars and the reopening of the economy will help our members and their residents get on with their lives with both their physical and financial health.”