Dear KIPP Community,
Our counties have announced updated guidelines and restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here’s a summary of what you need to know about the shelter-in-place order:
Why is this happening?
The shelter-in-place restrictions have been put in place to safeguard public health and safety. Coronavirus is easily transmitted between people, especially in group settings. The shelter-in-place orders are being enacted to slow the spread of the virus by mandating that people stay indoors and isolate themselves — except to attend to certain essential activities, according to the public health orders. As the number of cases in the region continues to grow, health officials are also deeply concerned about being able to handle a huge influx of new patients at clinics and hospitals.
Which counties are affected?
San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, and Contra Costa counties are all affected. The City of Berkeley, which has its own health department, is also participating.
How long is the order in place for?
The shelter-in-place order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 and will be in place until at least April 7. All people, particularly vulnerable populations, are advised to leave their homes only to take care of essential errands such as groceries, medical care, etc.
What will be closed, and what will stay open?
Counties are shutting down all but the most critical operations.
- Places that attract clusters of people, like gyms, nightclubs or bars, will have to close down.
- Restaurants must serve only take-out or delivery orders.
- The order calls for all “routine medical appointments” and elective procedures to be canceled or rescheduled.
- All non-essential gatherings of any size are now banned
- Hospitals, grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies will remain open.
- Daycare centers and veterinarians will remain open with some restrictions, as will laundry services.
- Emergency services, like police and fire operations, will also continue.
- Vital services and operations, including meal distributions at school can continue.
- Airports, taxis, and public transit (including BART) will remain operational, but only for essential travel and people are expected to keep six feet apart when possible.
Can I still go outside for essentials, exercise and fresh air?
Yes. People will still be able to leave their homes to handle essential business in limited circumstances — like buying groceries or picking up medicine — and to get fresh air. But when people do need to leave their homes, health officials are requiring they maintain at least six feet from other individuals and that they wash their hands for at least 20 seconds as often as possible. They’re also calling on people to cover their coughs and sneezes and to avoid shaking hands.
How are the counties enforcing the shelter-in-place-order?
The shelter-in-place order is not a mandatory lockdown for residents, which would forbid people from leaving their homes without explicit permission. But the health orders issued calls for the sheriff or chief of police to “ensure compliance” in order to safeguard public health.
Thank you for adhering to the latest public health guidance. We are in this together.
More information about our school closures can be found on our COVID-19 Information page.
Hey when does this end the government say it might last the rest of the school year?
Hello Maria, We are updating our Covid-19 Information page with all the most up-to-date school closures. On that page you can also find phone numbers for our KIPP Support Team to help answer any of your questions.