In an unprecedented move in California’s history, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the entire state’s population to shelter at home to combat the spread of novel coronavirus, allowing 40 million residents to leave only for essential needs.
“This is a moment we need to make tough decisions,” Newsom said Thursday night when issuing the order.
Not much will change for West Valley residents, as it follows the order from Bay Area Counties earlier this week ordering residents to shelter at home until at least April 7.
“As the novel coronavirus continues to spread in our community and statewide, it is critical that all residents follow the direction of public health leaders to stay home except when necessary,” Santa Clara County said in a statement following Newsom’s order. “We urge all residents to comply with the restrictions in both the County and State orders.”
Newsom sought to reassure the state’s residents, noting that essential work is still getting done, and that Californians will still be able to access grocery stores and get their prescriptions filled.
All of these efforts are aimed at slowing the rate of community infection in the state so that health care providers are not overwhelmed by a glut of cases all at one time, a point Santa Clara County reiterated Thursday night.
“Limiting interpersonal interactions is a proven strategy to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and slow the spread of the virus.”