Pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, gas stations and essential government services will remain open, as will restaurants but for takeout and delivery orders only.
By David Ingram
San Francisco and surrounding counties totaling 6.7 million people will prohibit anyone from leaving their homes “except for essential needs” beginning at midnight Monday night.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said at a news conference that the drastic steps are meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“The new public health order that we’re announcing will require San Franciscans to remain at home with exceptions only for essential outings,” she said. “These measures will be disruptive to daily life, but there is no need to panic.”
It’s the largest city to impose an in-home curfew or other stay-home order in the United States so far. Similar orders will apply in several Bay Area counties until April 7, she said, though she added that date could change depending on the advice of health officials.
Pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, gas stations and essential government services will remain open, as will restaurants but for takeout and delivery orders only, Breed said. Bars and gyms will close. “Your garbage will be picked up,” she said.
Failure to comply will be a misdemeanor offense, Police Chief Bill Scott said, but he and other officials said they’re hoping for voluntary compliance.
