CA Governor Gavin Newsom declares statewide shelter-in-place, order explained

During an emergency press conference on Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide shelter-in-place order for all citizens in the state.

The basics of the order are simple: stay at home. The purpose of the order is to enforce social distancing and keep people away from each other to limit the spread of COVID-19.

There is nothing dangerous about going outside. The danger is being close to other people who are infected, whether they know it or not.

Officials ordered state residents to remain in place at their homes except for essential activities, essential business and essential government functions, including;

• Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor.
• Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, such as getting food and supplies, pet food and supplies necessary for staying at home.
• Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running provided that they maintain at least six feet of social distancing.
• Caring for a family member in another household.
• Caring for elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable persons.

The shelter-in-place order also does not apply to those going to work in an essential business or essential government function. That includes:

• Health care operations/health workers.
• Essential Infrastructure, construction, public transportation, and utilities.
• Grocery stores, farmers' markets, food banks, convenience stores.
• Businesses that provide necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals and shelter facilities.
• Pharmacies, health care supply stores, and health care facilities.
• Gas stations, auto repair facilities.
• Banks.
• Garbage collection.
• Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses.
• Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning.
• Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers.
• Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food and goods directly to residences.
• Child care facilities providing services that enable essential employees to go to work.
• Roles required for any essential business to "maintain basic operations," which include security, payroll and similar activities.

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You are still free to leave your homes for necessary needs like medical and groceries.

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How People Can Protect Themselves

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Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

• Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
• Practice social distancing.
• Following guidance from public health officials.