With COVID-19 infection rates continuing to grow across Santa Clara County, Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody, announced new orders on Friday aimed at blunting the spread of the virus.
While previous orders barred gatherings of more than 1000, Cody’s Friday order bars gatherings of more than 100 people and a general advisement against gatherings of between 35 and 100 people.
“As the outbreak of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County continues to accelerate, our aggressive measures are designed to slow the spread of disease and protect critical healthcare system capacity and other essential services,” said Dr. Cody.
As with previous orders, failure to comply with new guidance is a crime. The changes will undoubtedly lead to a massive undoing of daily life for local residents, with bars, restaurants, schools, and more impacted. Grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities and airports are exempted at this time.
“We recognize these actions will have a significant impact of the lives of our citizens, but we believe they are necessary to protect the well-being of our community,” Cody continued.
To visit the Health Department’s COVID-19 website, including FAQs on what it means for you and your family, click here. To see today’s orders in full, click here.