Amid a new surge of coronavirus cases across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health have announced a limited Stay-at-Home Order that will begin Saturday at 10 p.m.
“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge. We are sounding the alarm,” said Governor Newsom. “It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”
The order is similar to the one issued back in March when the coronavirus pandemic first began. All non-essential work, movement and gatherings will be stopped between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in those counties that are in the 'purple' tier of the state's coronavirus reopening plan. In recent weeks, health officials across the state have seen a surge in cases, with Los Angeles County reporting a record 5,031 cases and 29 additional deaths on Thursday.
Nearly 95% of the state, or 41 counties are currently in the purple tier of the state's reopening plans.
“We know from our stay at home order this spring, which flattened the curve in California, that reducing the movement and mixing of individuals dramatically decreases COVID-19 spread, hospitalizations, and deaths,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “We may need to take more stringent actions if we are unable to flatten the curve quickly. Taking these hard, temporary actions now could help prevent future shutdowns.”
Officials say the limited stay-at-home order is meant to reduce opportunities for the virus to be transmitted between individuals.
“We are asking Californians to change their personal behaviors to stop the surge. We must be strong together and make tough decisions to stay socially connected but physically distanced during this critical time. Letting our guard down could put thousands of lives in danger and cripple our health care system,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the state’s acting Public Health Officer. “It is especially important that we band together to protect those most vulnerable around us as well as essential workers who are continuing their critical work amidst this next wave of widespread community transmission across the state. Together we prevented a public health crisis in the spring and together we can do it again.”
The order follows a new travel advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that urged all Americans to remain home for Thanksgiving.
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