In response to the state’s surge in COVID-19 cases, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a regional stay-at-home order Thursday.
The announcement follows a seven-day average of 15,121 reported COVID-19 cases. Newsom said all sectors, besides those operating as essential or in retail, will be closed in state regions where there are less than 15% intensive care unit, or ICU, beds available.
“The effects of Thanksgiving, they have not yet been felt,” Newsom said during a press conference. “They will be felt in a number of weeks.”
Newsom added that these restrictions will last at least three weeks.
Store capacities will be limited, and restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery services. Critical infrastructures and schools that have received a waiver are also allowed to stay open.
Bay Area health officials responded Friday to the regional stay-at-home order in a press release, announcing that the Bay Area will move to implement the order now rather than waiting for ICU bed availability to reach critical levels.
“Although health officials throughout the Bay Area are glad to see the State take action in light of the rapidly escalating surge in hospitalizations statewide, many believe even more aggressive action is necessary in the Bay Area to slow the surge and prevent our local hospitals from being overwhelmed,” the press release states.
Counties in the Bay Area implementing the regional stay-at-home order include Alameda County, Santa Clara County, San Francisco County, Marin County and Contra Costa County. The six jurisdictions, which includes the city of Berkeley, are also working to ensure that all sectors will have at least a 48-hour closure notice, according to the press release.
The press released added that Bay Area health officials will start implementing the regional stay-at-home order Sunday. The order will be in effect for Alameda County starting Monday and will last until Jan. 4, 2021.