San Diego County and other local counties are once again under stay-at-home orders since Southern California’s ICU bed capacity dipped to 12.5%.
Under the state’s new coronavirus guidance, which divides California’s 58 counties into five regions, any region whose intensive care unit availability falls below 15% must go into a three-week long stay-at-home order.
COVID-19 in California
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For now, that order will impact San Diego County – and other Southern California – businesses and employees. The order went into effect on at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 6 and will force the following to close:
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Personal care services
- Playgrounds
- On-site dining, even outdoors, at restaurants, breweries and wineries
- Indoor recreational facilities
- Indoor use of libraries
- Museums, zoos aquarium
- Movie theaters, family entertainment centers and casinos
Meanwhile, some places will still welcome visitors under certain COVID-19 safety modifications. Here’s a look at what will be open in San Diego County and Southern California:
- Retail stores and shopping centers, but at a 20% capacity
- Gyms and fitness centers, but with outdoor services only
- Places of worship, but with outdoor services only
- Parks, but playgrounds are closed
- Hotels as critical infrastructure support
- Non-urgent medical and dental care
- Child care and pre-K
Additionally, professional sports can continue without live audiences. Films and other forms of entertainment can continue with their productions.
The Regional Stay at Home Order states that after the three weeks of a stay-at-home order have passed, the order will be lifted if that region’s ICU capacity satisfies the 15% mark. Such figures will be assessed weekly after the initial three-week period, according to the state.
NBC 7 will follow the impact of these restrictions throughout the day; check back for updates.