Blog Post < Previous | Next >
CDC
SF Bay Area-wide Order to Shelter in Place
Public health officers of seven Bay Area jurisdictions, including Marin, have issued a legal order directing residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17. The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs.
Scientific evidence shows social distancing is one of the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable disease. The shelter-at-home order follows new data of increasing local transmission of COVID-19, including 258 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 4 deaths shared by the seven jurisdictions (as of March 15). This includes nine cases in Marin.
The Public Health Order is in effect until April 7, 2020 until 11:59PM. To answer questions related to the Public Health Order, we created an extensive Q&A document to help understand the Order. Non-essential businesses shall cease operations except to maintain minimum basic operations. Essential businesses include:
- Healthcare operations, pharmacies and healthcare supply stores
- Grocery stores (including stores like Target that sell both grocery and non-grocery items)
- Gas stations, auto supply and repair
- Banks and financial institutions
- Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other services to maintain safety and sanitation and essential operations of homes and businesses
- Educational institutions for purposes of facilitating distance learning
- Laundromats and dry cleaners
- Restaurants and prepared food facilities, but only for delivery or carry out (no table service)
- Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers for essential activities
- Businesses that supply other businesses providing products or services exempted in the Health Order
- Shipping and mailing services including PO boxes ,businesses that deliver goods and services directly to residences
- Childcare facilities to enable employees exempted in the Order to work
- Home-based care and residential facilities for seniors, adults, children
- Essential governmental functions and essential infrastructure
- Newspapers, TV, and other media
Public Health Officer Advisory
Watch video of Dr. Matt Willis on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjNXiWpgZN4&t=1s
Reminder to Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or crook of your elbow (not your hands). If you use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands afterward;
- Avoid touching your face;
- Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or are feeling sick;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;
- Get your flu shot to protect against flu.
Protecting yourself
People who are in the vulnerable age group and/or have compromised immune systems due to a chronic condition, should protect themselves from exposure; take extra precautions to keep space between yourself and others and have a plan in the event you get sick.
Self-quarantine can be difficult but not impossible. Stay in touch with others by phone or email; you may need to ask for help and you need to know who you can reach out to. Consider ways of getting food brought to your house by family, social or commercial network.
County of Marin COVID-19 Hotline and Email
Have questions? Individuals can contact Marin Health and Human Services with non-medical questions about the Coronavirus by calling (415) 473-7191 (Monday – Friday, 9:30am to 12-noon and 1pm to 5pm) or emailing COVID-19@marincounty.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention