Shelter In Place Order Effective Midnight
Illustration of a coronavirus. Credit: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM
Today, the City of Berkeley’s Health Officer joined health officers from six Bay Area counties in announcing a Shelter in Place Order, effective at 12:01AM on Tuesday, March 17th and continuing through to Tuesday, April 7th at 11:59PM.
The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. The guidance comes after substantial input from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and best practices from other health officials around the world.
What is defined as an essential need? Section 10 of the Order provides definitions on what businesses will remain open and what types of travel are acceptable. This includes grocery stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, gas stations, home supply stores, banks, and laundromats. People will be able to walk and exercise outside, as long as they practice social distancing and remain at least six feet away from others.
Essential government functions will continue, including first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, and law enforcement. Other government functions or offices may be subject to reduced schedules or may be closed as part of the effort to fight the spread of COVID-19. City Commission meetings have been postponed, and the City Council will go on recess after its March 17th meeting until April 14th.
We are facing an unprecedented threat to our community. And it's a threat that requires our community to answer with an unprecedented response. What we do today will ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to respond tomorrow, and that will literally save lives. This shelter in place order will allow us to take the necessary precautions to help flatten the curve. Our collective action has the power to slow the virus and maintain a healthy community.
These are trying times, but for over 140 years the City of Berkeley has been a force in times of struggle. We've fought for civil rights, human rights, peace, and so much more. This is a new fight for all of us. But as always, the Berkeley community is its strongest when we stand united.