[UPDATE] ‘Every Hour Counts,’ San Francisco Mayor Issues Stay Home Order as Concerns About COVID-19 Outbreak Rises

Online image used by the Mayor of San Francisco to illustrate her Health Order.

In what some residents characterized as a shelter in place order, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced that, starting tomorrow, residents should “stay at home except for essential needs.”

According to the city website,

The City issued a Public Health Order requiring people to stay home except for essential needs.

Vulnerable populations must stay home. Everyone should stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job.

It is OK to go outside for walks if you are not in a group.

This order is in effect until April 7.

It may be extended depending on recommendations from public health officials…

This is a critical intervention to reduce harm from the spread of the coronavirus in our community. This is a mandatory order.

All Bay Area Health Officers observed quickly mounting cases and serious illnesses across the region.

Now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse in a matter of days or weeks. Every hour counts. We need and appreciate the cooperation of everyone who lives and works in San Francisco to act immediately.

While this news may feel alarming, it is a necessary step to prevent a worsening situation. The patterns of the virus around the world, and in our own state, tell us that moving right now to maximize social distancing and restrict people gathering is the best way to fight the virus and save lives.

If everyone works together, we should be able to adjust to the new rules over the next few weeks.

We know that there will be a lot of questions and concerns at the beginning of this new regimen. This is a major change being taken to protect public health. Please be patient and kind to one another. Together, we will get through this, and our community’s health will be protected.

UPDATE: 6 Bay Area counties ordered to shelter in place