Bay Area orders 'shelter in place', only essential businesses open in 6 counties Six Bay Area counties announced shelter in place orders for all residents on Monday the strictest measure of its kind yet in the continental United States directing everyone to stay inside their homes and away from others as much as possible for the next three weeks in a desperate move to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus across the region. The directive was set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and involves San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa and *Alameda counties a combined population of more than 6.7 million. It is to stay in place until at least April 7. . . . The orders which are all similarly worded fall just short of a full lockdown, which would forbid people from leaving their homes without explicit permission. The orders call for county and city sheriffs and police chiefs to "ensure compliance", and local authorities said they would not "rush to enforce" the directives as residents adjusted to understand what activities are no longer allowed. Violation of the orders is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or jail time.. . . (Quelle: ) ! *Fremont... |