The presence of the COVID-19 virus at a business does not automatically trigger insurance loss coverage, even if the establishment was forced to close, the California Supreme Court held Thursday.

In a unanimous ruling, the justices said state law requires owners of insured property to demonstrate they suffered a direct physical loss or damage. While the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic killed millions worldwide and forced businesses to shutter, it did not physically alter tables, chairs, walls and other commercial structures, the court said.