To help slow the spread of coronavirus, six Bay Area counties have issued shelter-in-place orders that require people to stay at home and leave only for essential activities. The orders go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, and cover the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara, as well as the City of Berkeley. The order will remain in place until April 7.
âWe know we need a regional approach,â said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara Countyâs public health officer, at a joint press conference Monday with representatives from each participating jurisdiction. âWe must all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure our essential services remain intact and open.â
Here is a quick guide to what you need to know about sheltering at home:
What is considered an essential activity?
You can leave your residence to do the following things:
Buy food, groceries or supplies Obtain medical care Work at a business thatâs deemed essential Maintain an essential governmental function Care for a family member or pet in another household Engage in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running, as long as you stay at least six feet away from other people
Essential infrastructure and governmental functions include:
Health care operations Airports, roads, public transit Water, sewer, gas, solid waste collection services Telecommunications, including cellphone and internet services Construction, including to help house people experiencing homelessness
Public transit like BART and bus lines will remain open, but people should only use it if theyâre engaging in activities or work deemed essential.
Essential businesses include:
Hospitals and health care operations Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out Airlines, taxis and ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber Gas stations Banks News media Hardware stores Mailing, shipping and delivery services Agriculture and food cultivation Other services including plumbers, electricians, exterminators, laundry and legal services Schools and colleges, although many public school districts have already canceled in-person instruction Child care facilities, under certain conditions Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children, hotels, motels Home-based care for seniors, adults or children
A more detailed list is available here.
All other businesses not deemed essential have been instructed to shut down for the next three weeks.
Can I go hiking? What about seeing friends?
You can engage in outdoor activities like walking your dog or hiking, but you should maintain 6 feet of distance from all other people. Gatherings of any size outside of homes and residences are prohibited, except if theyâre for essential functions. And no dinner parties are allowed either: People from different households or living units should not gather, unless theyâre conducting essential business.
A few other things you should know:
All non-essential travel during this time should be canceled. The order does not apply to people experiencing homelessness, although they are strongly urged to seek shelter.
What if I donât heed the shelter-in-place order?
According to state law, itâs a potential misdemeanor to disregard public health orders issued during an emergency like the threat from COVID-19.
But San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said that officers will be looking to educate people, not to make arrests.
âYes, by law, enforcement is an option, but that is not our desire,â he said. âWe intend to adhere to the spirit of what this is all about, in keeping people safe.â
If enforced, a misdemeanor charge carries a fine of $50-$1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
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