SAN FRANCISCO QUARANTINE UPDATE: Mayor London Breed held a press conference this afternoon where he announced a shelter-in-place order to begin in the city effective at midnight tonight for six Bay Area counties. Once in effect, San Francisco residents are to remain in their homes with “few exceptions.” This is the strictest measure of its kind in the country.
Counties include San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa and Alameda. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, this makes up a population of more than 6.7 million, and authorities say it will stay in place until at least April 7. Nearby counties Sonoma, Solano and Napa were not immediately included.
During the press announcement, Breed said garbage will still be picked up, police officers will continue to patrol the streets, and grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks will be open. As with many other US cities, restaurants will be restricted to take-out only service.
In response to the order, San Francisco Health director Grant Colfax said, “I urge us not to rush anywhere. With this order in place, you will still be able to get food, care for relatives, run necessary errands and conduct the essential parts of your lives. You will still be able to walk your dog or go on a hike alone — or with another person — as long as you keep six feet between you.”
Additionally, Colfax advised against visiting emergency rooms for COVID-19 testing, or non-emergency needs. “Do not overwhelm the system,” he said, encouraging healthcare providers to be considered a first point of contact.
Similar Story in New Jersey
This news follows New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy urging residents to stay home after 8 p.m.. “This is not a curfew, but it is strongly recommended and travel is strongly discouraged. If you don’t need to be on the roads, you should not be on the roads,” he said.
Like with many cities, Murphy issued an executive order limiting some business operations; however, he also activated the New Jersey National Guard “to assist in our efforts in any way necessary.”
San Francisco residents can sign up for text alerts by texting “COVID19 SF” to 888777.
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