Monterey County followed the lead of neighboring Santa Cruz County and the greater Bay Area Tuesday, ordering residents to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19.
County health officials also reported the county’s first two confirmed cases Tuesday, and County Supervisors unanimously approved a moratorium on “failure to pay rent” evictions through May 31, an action made possible by an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The shelter-in-place order will go into effect Wednesday and will last until April 8.
“Temporarily making these drastic changes to our lives and routines may be frustrating, but it is critical to slowing the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Ed Moreno, Monterey County’s public health officer.
The term “shelter in place” is a more rigorous form of “social distancing,” county officials said. The intent is to keep more people home in self-isolation and have them leave only for “essential needs” or for work if their employer provides “essential services.”
A violation of the order is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and jail time.
What can I do? What’s open?
These essential services will remain open:
· City/County government services: Police/Sheriff stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, garbage/sanitation, transportation, utilities (water, power and gas) and most offices
· Gas stations
· Pharmacies
· Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
· Hardware stores/plumbers/ electricians and those who provide services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences
· Banks
· Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis
· Laundromats/laundry services
· Cemeteries
What’s closed?
· Dine-in restaurants
· Bars and nightclubs
· Entertainment venues
· Gyms and fitness studios
What can’t I 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.
Where does this apply?
This is in effect throughout all of Monterey County including all cities, towns and unincorporated areas.
