By Pamela Cruz
The State of California announced that, starting tomorrow, San Mateo County will go to Level 1 Purple, the most restrictive of the reopening measures for Covid-19, in order to prevent an increase in the number of infections.
While the state's new stay-at-home order, which prohibits county residents from leaving their homes from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., will go into effect Monday night, November 30.
San Mateo County said in a statement that under Tier 1 restrictions, businesses and activities that had been operating indoors, such as places of worship, movie theaters, gyms and museums, must move outdoors or close.
Similarly, shopping malls and all retail stores will operate at no more than 25 percent capacity, while indoor meetings between members of different households are prohibited.
When it comes to outdoor meetings, these may include people from only three households, as long as they are held outside of the restricted hours of 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.
According to state officials, the more restrictive measures are necessary to control the recent increase in reported cases of coronavirus in both the Bay Area and the state as a whole.
The county health department said there was an 85 percent increase in new cases of COVID-19 from October to November, and the decline in purple is due to the county's adjusted rate of 7.6 new cases per 100,000 population.
"We haven't seen figures like this in quite some time. We really need to reverse this incredibly disturbing trend. We can do it as long as we follow common sense health and safety practices," said County Administrator Mike Callagy.
We need everyone to do their part to keep our community safe. We urge everyone to stay home for the holidays. I know that means a sacrifice, but the best way to show your family that you love them is to stay home and be safe," he added.
It should be noted that the new stay-at-home order is more limited than spring. The new order was announced by the state last November 19, went into effect on November 21 and will remain in effect until December 21.
Residents may still go out alone or with members of their own household as long as they do not engage in any interaction with members of other households, or if their employment is essential, such as in grocery stores.
The order also requires all non-essential businesses and restaurants, even if operating outdoors, to end operations by 10:00 pm.
Finally, County Health Officer Scott Morrow recommended avoiding travel this season, as a test may be negative due to the incubation period of the virus, but there is still a risk of exposing others to COVID-19.
