California Issues “Stay at Home” Order on March 19, 2020 (Español)
San Joaquin County Issues “Stay at Home” Order on March 20, 2020
What Action Did the Governor Take?
Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/N-33-20.pdf) on March 19, 2020, which orders all residents living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the Federal Critical Infrastructure Sectors as outlined at: https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors.
What Action Did the County Take?
The Director of Emergency Services of San Joaquin County issued a Stay at Home Order on March 20, 2020, revising it on March 21, 2020 (https://www.sjgov.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=32463).
When Did the Orders Take Effect?
The Governor’s Executive Order went into effect immediately and remains in effect until further notice. Additional information about Executive Order N-33-20 can be found at: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
The County’s Order went into effect at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020, and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended. Additional information can be found at: https://www.sjgov.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=32463
Are the Orders Mandatory or Just Guidance?
The Governor’s Executive Order, issued under the authority of California law, is mandatory.
The County’s Order is also mandatory and sets out detailed orders that must be followed by the residents of San Joaquin County.
Will the Orders be Enforced?
The California Office of Emergency Services has been directed to take steps necessary to ensure compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order.
The San Joaquin County Director of Emergency Services has requested “[p]ursuant to Government Code sections 26602 and 41601…that the Sheriff and all chiefs of police in the County ensure compliance with and enforce [the] Order.”
It is a crime to violate either the Governor’s Executive Order or the County’s Stay at Home Order. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors subject to fine, jail time, or both.
The City of Lodi will follow both the Governor’s Executive Order and the County’s Stay at Home Order. To the extent that there are conflicts between the Orders, the stricter language regarding compliance will be followed.
At this time, local law enforcement (Lodi Police Department) will educate the public on activities that are not permitted under the Orders and will not issue citations; however, that could change based on direction from the Governor’s office and the County Director of Emergency Services if people fail to voluntarily comply with the Orders.
We ask that you comply with the orders and advise others to do the same. The goal is to contain the spread of the virus and protect the people of the State of California. This requires effort and sacrifice by each of us.
Why was the Governor’s Executive Order Issued?
The Governor’s Executive Order is necessary to preserve public health and safety, and to ensure the healthcare delivery system is capable of serving all, and prioritizing those at the highest risk and vulnerability.
What Does Shelter in Place or Shelter at Home Mean?
Shelter in place is a term used in emergency preparedness. In this situation, what it really means is to stay at home and not leave unless necessary for a designated “essential activity.” For most people, this means you and those you live with should remain at home.
You are allowed to leave your home for specified reasons to make sure you have the necessities of life such as getting food and medical supplies.
You are also allowed to go outside to take care of pets, go on a walk, exercise outside, and enjoy nearby parks, so long as you do not congregate in a group and maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people.
If you are sick, you should stay at home and, to the extent you can, isolate yourself from others you live with.
Continue to take social distancing precautions, being sure to cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20-seconds or use hand sanitizer if not available.
What Businesses will be Open?
- Gas Stations
- Pharmacies
- 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 essential government programs and services, such as electricity, water, and wastewater, among others.
What Businesses will be Closed under the Orders?
- Dine-in restaurants
- Bars and nightclubs
- Entertainment venues
- Gyms and fitness studios
- Convention Centers
- Public events and gatherings
- Hair and Nail Salons
Under the County’s Order the following businesses are also closed:
- Wineries and brewpubs
- Bingo Halls
- Card Rooms
What are “Essential Activities”?
Besides the staffing of the businesses allowed to remain open, the order specifies activities needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.
Essential activities also include, engaging in activities or perform tasks essential to health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members, such as, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home.
What are “Essential Businesses”?
The following link defines “essential businesses” and will provide guidance -. https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors
There are 16 “critical infrastructure sectors” identified by the Federal Government:
- Chemical
- Commercial facilities
- Communications
- Critical manufacturing
- Dams
- Defense industrial base
- Emergency services
- Energy
- Financial service
- Food and agriculture
- Government facilities
- Health care and public health
- Information technology
- Nuclear reactors, materials and waste
- Transportation systems
- Water and wastewater systems
Additional guidance can be found in Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Worker During COVID-19 Response, issued on March 19, 2020 by the US Department of Homeland Security - https://www.cisa.gov/news/2020/03/19/cisa-releases-guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workers-during-covid-19
The State of California has determined that the construction residential housing is an Essential Business (https://covid19.ca.gov/).
Please also review paragraph 10(g) of the County’s order for a complete list of those businesses determined by the County Director of Emergency Services found at https://www.sjgov.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=32463.
“Essential businesses” should follow social distancing guidelines in the workplace.
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
What are Social Distancing Guidelines?
The best way to reduce the risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds and flu, applies to COVID-19:
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20-seconds as frequently as possible.
Stay home if you are sick.
Avoid groups and maintain at least six (6) feet distance from one another, which is approximately two to three steps away.
Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands) and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20-seconds after coughing or sneezing or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Avoid touching your face.
Regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
Not shaking hands.
Is the City of Lodi Shutting Down?
No. Essential government functions will continue, including first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, law enforcement, electric utility, water, wastewater, and collection of solid waste. Other government functions or offices are working on reduced schedules or closed as part of the effort to fight the community spread of COVID-19.
Detailed information on City of Lodi closures is found at –
http://www.lodi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=146
City personnel in these critical roles will continue to serve the community to ensure the continuance of vital City services.
Can I leave my home to see a doctor or for other healthcare needs?
Yes. The County’s Order allows residents to leave their residence to work for or to obtain services at “hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare service providers, mental health providers, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services.” https://www.sjgov.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=32463
Can I leave home to visit friends or family members if there is no urgent need?
For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 in our communities by staying home. However, the County’s Order permits the attendance at “private gatherings or not more than six nonrelatives in a home or place of residence. Participants should practice social distancing at all times at such gatherings.”
Can I go for a walk/run, walk my dog or participate in outdoor activities?
Yes. So long as outside recreational activities do not involve close contact with other people and social distancing is maintained.
The County’s Order specifically permits residents to engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with social distancing guidelines, such as walking, hiking, biking, running or equestrian activities.
Can I go to a park or on a hike?
Yes. Spending time outside improves mood and well-being, and is particularly beneficial to children. You can go for walks, go to the park, and engage in other similar activities, but should maintain social distancing from persons not part of your household when on walks and in the parks to avoid the spread of COVID-19. You should use hand sanitizer when out and wash your hands when you return home.
Will I still receive mail and deliveries?
Yes. You will still receive mail and other deliveries at your home.
Can I still order online and receive my order at home?
Yes.
Can I take public transportation (bus, train, BART)?
Yes. However, public transit should only be used to perform “essential activities” to get to and from work to operate “essential businesses” or to provide “essential government functions” as defined above.
When using public transportation, you should practice social distancing and maintain at least six (6) feet distance from one another, which is approximately two to three steps away, including when you are on the bus or trains.
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Lodi GrapeLine and ADA VineLine/Dial-A-Ride service hours are now 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Additionally, all express routes are suspended until further notice. More information can be found at- https://www.lodi.gov/469/Transit
Can I leave home to go to my church, synagogue, or mosque?
No. For your safety as well as the safety of your fellow worshippers, we need to each help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. However, places of worship can offer remote access to services, such as emails, video streaming, or teleconference.
Should I stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper, and on medicines?
No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items whenever you need them, as stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Please continue to buy your normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally do. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone.
If my child’s school is providing food or meals, can I leave home to go to the school to pick up the food or meals?
Yes.
These Frequently Asked Questions will be updated as necessary and will be posted to the City’s webpage www.lodi.gov
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