The state of California has provided some online videos and action items that every person should take to help diminish the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways caused by coronavirus, and by staying home we can save lives.
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The state is mobilizing at every level to proactively and aggressively protect the health and well-being of Californians, but our political leaders cannot fight this outbreak alone. They need the participation and support of every Californian. These actions are critical and there is no doubt our collective efforts save lives.
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Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic
Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick.
California's COVID-19 Response team has provided a handful of public service announcements and Frequently Asked Questions that are important for every citizen to watch and understand as we do our part to prevent the spread.
Doing our part to fight COVID-19: It starts with you (link to video):
Frequently asked questions:
When does the stay at home order go into effect and how long will we stay home? What areas of the state are covered?
The order went into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice. It covers the whole state of California, and it exempts activity as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.
What can I do? What’s open?
Essential services will remain open, such as:
Gas stations
Pharmacies
Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
Banks
Laundromats/laundry services
Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.
What’s closed?
Dine-in restaurants
Bars and nightclubs
Entertainment venues
Gyms and fitness studios
Public events and gatherings
Convention Centers
Hair and nail salons
Can the Order be changed?
Yes. The State Public Health Officer may issue orders as needed – for example if more information emerges about the public health situation – and issue new orders and directives as conditions warrant.
How to speak with your children about coronavirus (link to video):
How does this order interact with local orders to shelter in place? Does it supersede them?
This is a statewide order.
What businesses and organizations are exempt?
Businesses and organizations that provide critical infrastructure for the state are exempted, including health care and public health, public safety, food and agriculture and media. See the full list of exempt sectors (pdf).
I run/work at an exempted business or organization, as defined by the Order. Do I need to get an official letter of authorization from the state to operate?
No. If your business or organization is in the list of exempt sectors, it may still operate. You do not need to obtain any specific authorization from the state to do so.
Stay home, slow the spread (link to video):
Do I need to pay my taxes?
Yes, state and federal deadlines have been extended. All state taxes are now due on July 15.
My school is providing free grab-and-go meals and childcare. Are those still open?
Yes. It is essential to keep children fed and educated. School employees should report to work and focus on distance learning, school meals, and childcare/supervision.
Are daycares still open? Can my babysitter still come to the house?
Yes. Daycares are still open, but only for children of parents working in essential sectors. Daycare centers that remain open should employ heightened cleaning and distancing requirements. Babysitters may also come to the house to care for minors of parents working in essential sectors.
Resources and services to meet the COVID-19 challenge (link to video):
What if I need to visit a health care provider?
If you are feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center.
If you need to go to the hospital, call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival. If you need to call 911, tell the 911 operator the exact symptoms you are experiencing so the ambulance provider can prepare to treat you safely.
What about routine, elective or non-urgent medical appointments?
Non-essential medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, and elective procedures must/should be cancelled or rescheduled. If possible, health care visits should be done remotely.
Contact your health care provider to see what services they are providing.
Save lives by staying at home (link to video):
May I still go out to get my prescriptions?
Yes. You may leave their homes to obtain prescriptions or get cannabis from a licensed cannabis retailer.
Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?
Yes. Be sure that you protect them and yourself by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least six feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue and then washing your hands. If you have early signs of a cold, please stay away from your older loved ones.
Can I visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility?
Generally no. There are limited exceptions, such as if you are going to the hospital with a minor who is under 18 or someone who is developmentally disabled and needs assistance. For most other situations, the order prohibits non-necessary visitation to these kinds of facilities except at the end-of-life. This is difficult, but necessary to protect hospital staff and other patients.
Can I still exercise? Take my kids to the park for fresh air? Take a walk around the block?
Yes. So long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air. Gyms are closed.
California has economic resources available to help with COVID-19 (link to video):
Can I walk my dog? Take my pet to the vet?
You can walk your dog. You can go to the vet or pet hospital if your pet is sick. Remember to distance yourself at least six feet from other pets and owners.
Can people still go hiking or visit State Parks?
Californians can walk, run, hike and bike in their local neighborhoods as long as they continue to practice social distancing of 6 feet. This means avoiding crowded trails & parking lots. To help reduce crowds, State Parks is modifying operations at some parks, including closing vehicular access and parking lots to reduce the density of visitors. A list of closures can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/flattenthecurve. Everyone has the responsibility to “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” by maintaining a social distance of 6 feet or more when recreating in the outdoors, and staying home if they are sick. If visitors cannot maintain social distancing, they need to leave the park.
California officials are working around the clock to respond to COVID-19. For more information, visit the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website.
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