San Francisco has issued a restrictive new Order to Shelter in Place, to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
"We know these measures will significantly disrupt people's day to day lives, but they are absolutely necessary. This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside." Mayor London Breed March 16th 2020
How long will we stay at home?
This went into effect, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. It is currently set to last for 3 weeks through Tuesday, April 7, 2020. To ensure the Order is in place for only as long as necessary, the Health Officer will be closely monitoring the situation every day in order to determine what adjustments make sense.
Where does this apply?
This is in effect across the Bay Area, including in Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties and the City of Berkeley.
These essential services will remain open:
- City/County government services: Police stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation (including Muni), utilities (water, power and gas), and certain city offices. Use online or mobile services whenever possible.
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
- Hardware stores/plumbers
- Banks
- Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis
- Laundromats/laundry services
What is closed?
- Dine-in restaurants
- Bars and nightclubs
- Entertainment venues
- Gyms and fitness studios
What you can't do?
- You cannot engage in group activities in person with others.
- You cannot have dinner parties. You cannot invite friends over to your home to hang out.
- You cannot go to bars or nightclubs.
- You cannot go to a nail salon or get your hair cut by a stylist or barber.
- You cannot go shopping for non-essential goods.
- You cannot take unnecessary trips on public transport or in your car or motorbike.
Is this mandatory, or is it just guidance?
It is mandatory. This Order is a legal Order issued under the authority of California law. You are required to comply, and it is a misdemeanor crime not to follow the Order (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble). It is critical, that everyone must follow the Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, neighbors, and the whole community. All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Order.
What if you need to get healthcare from my medical provider?
You can still get your health needs addressed. Contact your health care provider to see if they are providing regular services. Some services, especially elective procedures, may be postponed or canceled. If you are feeling sick, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center.
Can you leave home to visit friends or family members if there is no urgent need?
No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.
Can you get deliveries from online stores? Or order from online stores?
Yes. The mail and other delivery services to your home can continue to function, as can food delivery services. Yes, you can place more orders from online stores. Businesses that deliver goods or services directly to residences are essential businesses that may continue to operate.
Can you use rideshare or on-demand service or a taxi?
Yes, but only for essential travel. Do your best to take social distancing precautions: cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, use hand sanitizer, and wash your hands before and after rides, etc.
Can you take public transport (bus, subway, train)?
Yes, but only for essential travel. Public transit will continue to operate on a limited basis. When using public transport, you should maintain at least 6 feet, two to three steps away, including if you are on the bus or on trains. This is why it’s important to only take public transportation for essential activities – you want to help everyone be able to practice social distancing.
Can you get your prescriptions or other health care needs? Can you leave home to go to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled?
Yes. Drug stores and other medical supply stores are allowed to operate. When possible, you should have the drug store deliver your prescription medicine to your home.
How will you get food and medicines that you need if you must stay in your home?
The Order specifically allows people to leave their homes to buy food, purchase medicine, and purchase other necessary items. It also directs businesses selling those items to remain open and allows employees of those businesses to keep working and to ensure those businesses are operating.
Should you stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper, and on medicines?
No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items whenever you need them, as stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you usually do. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone.
Can you leave home to care for elderly parents or friends who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?
Yes. Be sure that you protect them and you by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
Can you visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility?
Generally no. There are limited exceptions, such as if you are going to the hospital with a minor who is under 18 years old or someone who is developmentally disabled and needs assistance. For most other situations,
other existing Orders of the Health Officer
addressing this emergency prohibit non-necessary visitation to these kinds of facilities. If you need to know more, please contact the facility you want to visit by phone before you leave. This is difficult, but it is necessary in order to protect hospital staff and other patients.
What should you do if I’m sick and need to go to the hospital or a medical provider? How can you protect others?
If possible, walk or drive yourself to healthcare. If someone else in your home is sick and can drop you off, that is another good option. You want to try to avoid exposing others to any germs you have, especially if you are seriously ill.
If you have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like a surgical mask or N-95 mask, you can wear that to prevent exposing others. If you don’t have that, you could use a temporary method such as wrapping a clean scarf around your mouth and nose to try to reduce droplets when you cough and sneeze. Although this is not an approved method, it is something you can do to avoid exposing others. Just do the best you can.
What if you can’t get out of the home? How can you get supplies and food?
Please contact friends, family, or others you know who can provide support. They are permitted to pick up any of your needs.
Are nannies permitted to be used? What about other in-home child care?
In some instances. If the nanny provides medical/health care for the child, then yes. If the nanny lives with you, then yes. Otherwise, nannies not necessary for medical care are not permitted. Also, parents required to work away from home for essential services may need in-home child care, which is permitted.
READ MORE QUESTIONS
READ THE ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
MAYOR LONDON BREED ANNOUNCES THE ORDER
(Watch at 14.00)
