San Francisco Bay area officials unveiled Monday what might be the most aggressive and restrictive measures in the country yet to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Northern California officials announced a "shelter in place" order that will affect nearly 7 million residents of six counties in the Bay Area as the region tries to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
The order asks all residents of six Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa and Alameda, to remain home as much as possible. It takes effect at midnight and will last until April 7, the order says.
"We know these measures will significantly disrupt people's day-to-day lives, but they are absolutely necessary," San Francisco Mayor London Breed said. "This is going to be a defining moment for our city and we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect our neighbors and slow the spread of this virus by staying at home unless it is absolutely essential to go outside."
Residents can leave their homes under "limited circumstances," according to the order. At such times, people are expected to remain six feet apart, wash their hands, cover their coughs or sneezes and abide by a number of other requirements...
Coronavirus update: SF Bay Area officials order nearly 7 million people to '''shelter in place'''