Five things to know about the upcoming COVID curfew
You can make a fast food run during the curfew, but you can't visit your friend's house.
(Graphic by Solano News Update)
California Governor Gavin Newsom and state health officials announced plans on Thursday to enact a limited stay-at-home order in areas that have seen a sharp increase in coronavirus infections.
“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge,” Newsom said in a late afternoon press conference from Sacramento. “It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”
To combat coronavirus infections, state health officials advocated for the imposition of a mandatory curfew for counties in the “purple” COVID-19 restriction tier, which includes Solano County and 40 others across California.
The curfew means nearly 95 percent of California’s population will be required to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting Saturday evening, according to information provided by the Governor’s Office.
Here are five things to know about California’s stay-at-home order:
1.) The order is meant to prevent late-night, in-person gatherings
The stay-at-home order was specifically designed to prevent late-night social activities because health officials say people are more likely to let their guard down if they’re drinking at a bar, eating at a late night restaurant or hooking up with a stranger.
Of particular concern is the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday when people travel to see family and friends and are more likely to gather in large groups for longer periods of time.
2.) It doesn’t prohibit Thanksgiving Day celebrations
While health officials at the local, state and federal level are strongly discouraging people from traveling and gathering at the homes of their family and friends, the state’s stay-at-home order doesn’t explicitly ban this activity, as long as it’s done between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Still, health experts say people would be better off spending the holiday with people who live in their own homes and are asking people not to assemble in large numbers with others, especially people whom they have not been in contact with for more than two weeks.
3.) You can still make a late night food run
The stay-at-home order prohibits non-essential activity between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and it’s meant to prevent people from hanging out with friends or assembling in public spaces like bars or restaurants.
That said, the stay-at-home order makes exceptions for some essential activities, including trips to the grocery store, hospital visits and getting food from a restaurant if it’s being picked up or when using a drive-thru. Those who work jobs that require their physical presence between the curfew hours are also exempt as long as they are going to or from work.
4.) It isn’t clear how — or if — it will be enforced
Governor Newsom said the stay-at-home order authorizes local counties to take “enforcement measures” to ensure compliance with the directive. But it isn’t clear exactly what those measures will look like — and some officials have said they don’t intend to enforce the order at all.
Solano County officials have not said one way or another whether they intend to enforce the stay-at-home order. Nor have local law enforcement. But in neighboring Sacramento County, Sheriff Scott Jones said his agency will not dedicate resources to enforcing the stay-at-home order and won’t send deputies to respond to complaints about people who break curfew there.
5.) It comes with an expiration date
The stay-at-home order lasts until December 21, according to state officials. While it likely won’t be extended beyond this period, the Governor’s Office could impose additional restrictions — like a return to a full, 24-hour shelter-at-home order — if health officials do not see a decrease in COVID-19 infections before then.
On the other hand, state health officials could recommend that the stay-at-home order be lifted if conditions substantially improve in the state before December 21. And even if they don’t, Solano County could be exempted from the order if state health officials see a significant decrease in COVID-19 infections locally in the coming days or weeks.
Ways to help slow the spread of infection:
Follow all guidelines as issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
Maintain at least 6 feet of space between yourself and the closest person.
Wear a mask that adequately covers the mouth and nose.
If you are not able to wear a mask, wear a shield that covers your face.
Wash your hands frequently, including after every trip outside of your home.
Limit travel outside of the home to only essential business.
Cough or sneeze into your shoulder.
Disinfect surfaces that are frequently used and/or touched.
Get a flu shot.
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