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Health & Human Services - COVID-19 Order FAQs

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1. What happened?

On Thursday, March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring Californians to stay home in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, except for essential needs. Find current state information on COVID-19, including case data and resources, here. 

The Placer County Health Officer had issued a directive earlier on March 19 followed by an order on April 10 which was amended April 16. The local order was allowed to expire on May 1 at 11:59 p.m.

However, the statewide order still applies to Placer County. For most people, this means you and those you live with should remain at home. You are allowed to leave your home for specified reasons to make sure you have the necessities for day-to-day life, such as getting food and medical supplies. You are also allowed to go outside, to walk, bike or otherwise exercise, so long as you do not congregate in a group and maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not in your household. 

2. What does the expiration of the local health officer's stay-at-home order mean?

Because Governor Newsom’s statewide order still applies to Placer County, residents must continue to stay home except for essential needs. 

The expiration of the local order aims to remove any confusion over areas of difference between the state order. This transition will allow a local focus on planning for a phased reopening in partnership with local governments, health care, business and other stakeholders, as well as regional and state partners.  

3. How long will the state order last?

The state order is currently in place until further notice or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the governor.

The health officer has allowed the local county order to expire, but the state order still applies.

4. Is the state order mandatory or just guidance?

The state order is mandatory. 

5. What is the difference between “staying at home" and “social distancing"?

Staying home is a rigorous form of social distancing. Staying at home means:

• Only going out for “essential activities," to work for an “essential business," or for “essential travel" as those terms are defined in the Order,
• Stay 6 feet or more away from others (physical distancing)
• No formal gathering

The other principles of social distancing and mitigative hygiene will continue to be applied whenever feasible. These include washing hands, using hand sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces, not going out if sick, and staying at least six feet away from others.

6. Am I allowed to leave my home at this time?

Yes. Individuals may leave their place of residence to get necessities such as food, prescriptions, and health care, and for other authorized necessary activities. Learn more on the state’s website.

7. Can I still go outside for a walk or hike?

Per the state, Californians can walk, run, hike and bike in their local neighborhoods as long as they continue to practice social distancing of 6 feet. This means avoiding crowded trails & parking lots.

8. Should I stock up on necessities such as food and medicines?

No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items whenever you need them, as stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Please continue to buy normal quantities of these items. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone. If someone in your household gets COVID-19, everyone will need to stay home for two weeks, so it is a good idea to have 2 weeks of food and supplies on hand, but more is not necessary.

9. Are all business, offices and stores required to stay closed?

No. Visit Reopen Placer for updates and to find guidance for those businesses that may reopen.

10. How do I know if my business is "essential" under the state order?

Now that Placer County’s local health order has expired and residents will be guided by the governor’s Executive Order to shelter in place, please see answers to frequently asked questions about the state order by visiting covid19.ca.gov.

If you have read the state’s order and FAQs and still have questions about operations, Placer County will receive questions about the state order from local businesses and residents and will work to synthesize and address these with the state. Placer County will compile and send new questions to the state on a regular basis. We will share the state’s response once received, as well as posting them to our website. You can contact us at [email protected]. 

11. What about short-term rentals?

Under the governor’s Executive Order, which remains in effect until further notice, lodging is not on the list of allowed essential business operations. These restrictions apply to the commercial use of short-term rentals. Exceptions include accommodations for COVID-19 mitigation or containment measures, or to house COVID-19 essential workers.  

12. What if I see a businesses still operating out of compliance in Placer County?

If you have concerns about businesses that are not adequately incorporating social distancing or adhering with the state Executive Order, please email [email protected] with “Community Concern” in the subject line, and provide the name and contact information of an activity organizer/owner so that the county or our partners can reach out to provide guidance and education. We will evaluate and prioritize response based on risk level. For restaurant or tattoo parlor issues, complete an Environmental Health complaint.

13. Can the county "reopen"?

Placer County has been given the green light by the California Department of Public Health to begin moving further into Stage 2 of California’s Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order. The Placer County COVID-19 Variance Attestation submission was officially posted on the CDPH website, allowing the county to begin reopening additional businesses in Stage 2 that had been closed under the state’s current order. 

Visit the Reopen Placer website to find guidance and information for those businesses that are currently allowed to reopen. While counties such as Placer may achieve a local variance to accelerate through Stage 2, there is not yet the local ability to move to Stage 3.  

14. Are drive-in activities, such as modified church or graduations, permitted?

According to the California Department of Public Health: "Drive in activities are permissible as long as all public health precautions [are taken], social distancing is maintained and only members of the same household are in the same car."

15. What about preventive and other deferred health care services?

Per the state, preventive care services and other deferred services can now take place if hospitals have enough capacity and protective equipment to do so safely.  

Local orders, which have expired, never prohibited health care services of any kind.

16. Do I have to wear a face covering?

The health officer continues to recommend that residents wear face coverings when maintaining 6 feet of physical distance in public is not possible.

17. Can I go on vacation?

According to the California Department of Public Health: "Vacation or recreational travel to another county is not included in authorized necessary activities."

18. Are youth team sports permitted to resume at this time?

Per the California Department of Public Health: "Youth sports practices with non-household members would not be permitted; athletics can only be done with members of the same household."

19. Are gatherings permitted in Stage 2?

Per the California Department of Public Health, "Gatherings of non-household members are not permitted in stage 2."

20. Are bike parks and skate parks allowed in Stage 2?

Per the California Department of Public Health, "Bike parks and skate parks are permissible, provided there is physical distancing and avoidance of people gathering."