Written by Michael Palomba
By now we’re all familiar with the coronavirus, but what you may not be entirely familiar with is the effect it will have on our daily lives. Coronavirus is causing major changes across the country, and California is no exception.
On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered some radical changes to daily life in order to limit the spread of the virus. He told anyone 65 or older and anyone with chronic health conditions to isolate themselves in their homes.
He also said, “Bars, nightclubs, wineries, brew pubs, and the like” should close. In addition, he said all restaurants should halve their capacity and keep customers at least six feet from one another.
Now, there were no enforcement measures attached, but some could be added if people do not adhere to the guidelines.
As of Sunday afternoon, there have been six coronavirus-related deaths in California and 419 confirmed cases, according to the New York Times. There have been around 8,300 tests administered statewide.
Newsom also mentioned a partnership with Verily, a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google), to help determine who should be tested.
We heard the Governor’s guidance yesterday, and to give it teeth we need to turn it into local law. I’m working closely with our public health partners at @SanDiegoCounty on an order for the region. pic.twitter.com/FiyoznaDb9
— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) March 16, 2020
Mayor Kevin Faulconer intends to turn it into local law to “give it teeth.” The San Diego County Board of Supervisors also stepped in to extend restrictions countywide.
#BREAKING: New orders from San Diego County. 1) All gatherings of 50+ are prohibited. 2) Non-essential gatherings of any kind discouraged. 3) All bars, pubs, similar alcohol-serving businesses shall close. 4) All restaurants shall cease in-person dining @10News #10News
— Derek Staahl (@10NewsDerek) March 16, 2020
These are only the latest of the changes and more are likely to follow depending on how the virus spreads in the coming days and weeks. The main takeaway is to remember to wash your hands and avoid non-essential gatherings at all costs—your health and that of others depends on it.
