Governor Newsom announced a statewide stay at home executive order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as cases continue grow in California. This extends the home isolation order originally in place for older adults, those with chronic conditions, and immunocompromised individuals, and the shelter-in-place directive by multiple counties across the state, to all Californians. This order goes into effect at midnight March 20th, 2020. There is not yet a specific end date for the order, but the Governor said he will continue to be transparent with Californians about changes.

Gov. Newsom shared that officials are looking at a projected estimated 56% of Californians to be infected with COVID-19 in the next eight weeks. Gov. Newsom said that California currently is 19,543 beds short of capacity needed for current projections. He said that even with California’s ability to surge that capacity, we will continue to have a gap of about 10,000 beds and appointed staff. For these reasons, and to “bend the curve” to disrupt the spread of the virus, he stressed the importance of taking serious action now. While these are the current projected forecasts by officials on COVID-19 in California, we still have an opportunity to change these numbers. 

The order exempts essential services, and Californians will still have access to groceries, prescriptions, and other essential needs. With that, it is required to abide by social distancing practices of staying at least 6 feet away from others at all times outside the home.

Gov. Newsom also announced a new website, COVID19.CA.GOV to serve as an information hub for the public. The website includes the latest news, information for individuals, public places, schools and more, and links to various social services.

According to the California Department of Public Health, as of March 18th at 6PM PT there were a total of 675 cases and 16 deaths in California.  This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. 

Read the full executive order here.