California Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference on Sunday outlining some drastic guidelines for state residents and business owners to abide by to help curb the spread the coronavirus and to avoid the escalation seen in other countries like Italy.
Governor Newsom assured Californians that he was ruling with an, “Open hand not a closed fist,” by saying that while these points will not be like “martial law”, he is confident that individuals in the state will make use of the best practices with the interest of protecting the most vulnerable, like the immunocompromised and the elderly.
The 5.3 million seniors (65-years-old and older) and those with chronic conditions are being ordered to isolate at home. Visitation in hospitals, senior and assisted living facilities will be tightened to only include end-of-life visits.
NEW: Those that are 65 and older or vulnerable to #COVIDー19 must practice home isolation.Bars, night clubs, wineries, and breweries should close in CA.Restaurants -- focus on takeout for those isolating. Maximize social distancing.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 15, 2020All brewpubs, bars, wineries and other spaces of “nonessential function” in the state are being ordered to close temporarily.
While restaurants are not being asked to suspend operations, dining establishments are being asked to follow “deep social distancing” guidelines and cut their current occupancy in half.
In addressing California’s homeless population of approximately 108,000 unsheltered individuals, Governor Newsom says they are working on getting people out of encampments and into shelter, with some hotels and motels procured as appropriate sites.
The state is currently working on a plan for those with dire childcare needs, especially those who need to work but whose kids are staying home from closed schools, and will release further details for that issue on March 17.
Governor Newsom said the focus of the state is to work from the bottom up, and that their priorities lie in meeting, “the needs of all diverse communities.”
399 confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in California alone, with 227 in the Bay Area.
Written by Mallory Somera
