California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday lifted harsh restrictions, saying projections of key metrics show the state is doing well against COVID-19. “We are in a position projecting four weeks forward with a significant decline in the case rates, positivity rates. We are anticipating decline, still more decline in hospitalizations, and more declines in [intensive care] use. And that’s why we’re lifting that stay at home order, effective immediately today,” Newsom, a Democrat, told a briefing. The stay-at-home order had been in place for most regions in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health. The state also lifted its 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. Officials cited improving trends in the rate of infections, hospitalizations, and ICU capacity as well as vaccinations as a contributing factor to its decision to lift the order. “California is slowly starting to emerge from the most dangerous surge of this pandemic yet, which is …