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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 stay home or at their place of residence, except for permitted work, local shopping or other permitted errands, or as otherwise authorized.

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The state order is currently in place until further notice or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the governor.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

Visit the "Can I Reopen?" page on the Reopen Placer website to determine if a business can open.

11. 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] 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.

12. Can the county "reopen"?

If the State has not yet released guidance for a sector, then that sector cannot yet be reopened at the local level. Officials in counties with attestations, such as Placer, determine when specific sectors of their economy can reopen if state guidance has been posted. It is up to the local jurisdiction to make decisions regarding reopening specific sectors based upon the epidemiology and readiness of the county.

Visit the Reopen Placer website to find guidance and information for those businesses that are currently allowed to reopen. 

13. 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."

14. 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.

15. Do I have to wear a face covering?

Starting June 18, Californians must wear face coverings in common and public indoor spaces and outdoors when distancing is not possible. Learn more about the guidance and limited exceptions here. Read some Face Covering FAQs here.

16. Can I go on vacation?

See the state’s Regional Stay Home Order FAQ for travel information.

17. Are youth sports permitted to resume at this time?

The California Department of Public Health has released guidance on youth sports. 

The guidance for youth sports establishes a consistent set of rules that apply to all youth sports programs — including school-based, club, and recreational programs. Outdoor and indoor sporting events, assemblies, and other activities that require close contact or that would promote congregating, such as tournaments and competitions, are not permitted at this time. Youth sports and physical education are permitted only when physical distancing of at least six feet and a stable cohort of participants, such as a class, can be maintained. Activities should take place outside to the maximum extent possible.

More information can be found in the youth sports guidance. Find FAQs here.

18. Where can I share feedback regarding the state order?

Members of the public can reach out to the Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs: https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/ (phone number included)