Following a state order issued last night to help slow the spread of COVID-19 across California, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer was joined March 20 by City Councilmember Mark Kersey, Police Chief David Nisleit and Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell to outline what it means for San Diego’s residents and businesses.
The state order reinforces and expands upon guidance Faulconer previously put into law this week to combat the virus, such as limiting public gatherings, prohibiting the operation of bars, and requiring restaurants to only serve patrons with to-go or delivery orders. The City of San Diego is also developing eviction and economic relief packages.
“San Diegans already know the best action we can take to stop the spread of this aggressive virus is to limit exposure so I continue to urge our city – stay safe, stay home,” said Faulconer. “I thank San Diegans for showing collaboration, compliance and compassion, and I fully expect that they will follow the state order.”
The order requires Californians to stay at home with certain exceptions, including caregiving, getting necessary health care, purchasing groceries and working to support an essential industry. San Diegans are still able to participate in outdoor activities such as walking, jogging and biking, as well as volunteering, as long as they follow the social distancing requirement of at least six feet.
Critical industries that can continue operating, as outlined by the state, include: • Essential state and local government functions • Health care providers • Food and grocery services including food banks, convenience stores, and take-out and delivery restaurants • Pharmacies • Financial institutions including banks • Entities that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged • Laundromats and laundry services • Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services More information on the state order, including what’s closed, what’s open and which industries are exempted by the state can be found on the California COVID-19 response website. “My otherwise healthy 37-year-old brother died from H1N1, and coronavirus presents an even greater health risk,” said Kersey. “The people we lose to these diseases are not statistics; they are sons and daughters, parents and grandparents. They are what’s at stake. I urge San Diegans to stay home to protect yourself and your community.”
The City of San Diego continues to provide essential functions such as police, fire-rescue, water and sewer service, and trash and recycling pick-up.
“Our officers continue to be on high alert to maintain public safety,” said Nisleit. “We’re working on educating residents and businesses alike of the new changes and continue to expect compliance.”
As residents follow the latest emergency order to stay home, they should continue to take basic actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
“Public health and safety remain paramount and we ask that San Diegans stay informed and follow the emergency measures outlined by the state and the City,” said Stowell. For information regarding COVID-19 cases and directives from County of San Diego public health officials, please visit coronavirus-sd.com.
For the latest information about the COVID-19 virus, updates on City services and steps the public can take to help reduce the spread of the disease, visit sandiego.gov/coronavirus.
