As the Coronavirus continues to spread around the world, San Francisco announced residents must shelter in place in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. The public health order was issued on Monday, March 16, 202 and applies to San Francisco as well as surrounding areas in the Bay. (1)
Essential Needs Only In San Francisco
People of the city are allowed to leave their homes to purchase essential foods and supplies as well as to seek medical care or to assist those in need of medical care at the households of family members. The order will be in effect until April 7, 2020 but could be extended if the situation remains dire. (1)
The shelter in place order applies to six Bay Area counties. “We know these measures will significantly disrupt people’s day to day lives, but they are absolutely necessary,” says San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside. I want to encourage everyone to remain calm and emphasize that all essential needs will continue to be met. San Francisco has overcome big challenges before and we will do it again, together.” (1)
Social Distancing Six Feet Apart
As an additional precaution people must remain at least six feet apart to reduce the chances of spreading or catching the virus. The city’s essential stores will remain open including grocery markets and pharmacies as well as businesses offering essential services such as banks and gas stations. Restaurants can provide take out and delivery services. All other non-essential retailers must close. (1)
A challenge is presented by homeless residents who are encouraged to seek shelter if possible. (1)
Preventing Further Spread of COVID-19
The six counties included in the mandate agreed to the shelter in place strategy. “The evidence tells us that now is the time to implement this step,” says Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax. “Based on what we can predict, now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse in a matter of days or weeks. Every hour counts.” (1)
Remain Calm Amidst COVID-19 Scare
Dr. Colfax urges residents to remain calm in an effort to reduce potential strains on the city’s services. “Please do not go to urgent care or emergency rooms for COVID-19 testing or non-emergency needs. Do not overwhelm the health care system or the emergency response systems at this time. We need these services to care for those who are seriously ill. If you are otherwise sick or concerned that you may have coronavirus, please contact your health care provider,” he says. (1)
Walks Allowed
Residents can leave their homes to take walks and walk their dogs. However, Dr. Grant stresses the need to keep the recommended six feet distance from people residents encounter when out and about. Strict handwashing still applies, as does regularly wipe downs of surfaces frequently touched in the home. (1)
Police Depend on Compliance
San Francisco police Chief Bill Scott says they are depending on residents to remain compliant during the restrictions. “This is not about a criminal justice approach to a public health issue,” he says. “This is about educating the public. This is about social distancing and practicing those safe protocols. And we will be a part of that education process.” (1)
