California Governor Issues `Stay At Home' Order - COVID-19

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California - with 40 million residents, the most populous state in the nation - announced new, stricter  social distancing measures overnight, essentially telling everyone to stay home whenever possible.

There are plenty of exceptions - and this isn't anywhere near as restrictive as what we've seen in China, Italy, or Iran - but it does illustrate how worried state and federal governments are as the number of COVID-19 cases increase around the nation. 

Although I'm far from the first one to say it, we really are in uncharted territory.  Right now, no one can know how much of an impact these sorts of measures will have on slowing the pandemic.  But we do know - from watching Iran and Italy - what happens if you don't get ahead of the virus early. 

Stay home except for essential needs

Last updated March 19, 2020 at 11:22 PM

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.

Read the full Executive Order here (pdf).

How long will we stay home?

This goes into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice.

What can I do? What’s open?

Essential services will remain open such as:

• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
• Banks
• Laundromats/laundry services

Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

What’s closed?

• Dine-in restaurants
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Public events and gatherings
• Convention Centers

Where does this apply?

This is in effect throughout the State of California.