California’s stay-at-home order, in effect for most of the state, has been extended in two regions as COVID-19 cases continue to overwhelm hospitals. The extension applies to us here in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley, both of which have 0% available intensive care unit capacity across their hospital systems.
“Our four-week projections shows the available ICU capacity not improving in the regions with demand exceeding capacity,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services secretary.
Once either region hits the three-week mark, it will be eligible to move out of restrictions if ICU capacity rises above 15%. On the first day a region hits above 15%, it can move out of restrictions immediately with assessments conducted daily. Northern California remains outside of restrictions with 27.9% ICU capacity.
The extension means the state will continue to prohibit residents from gathering in affected regions; essential businesses such as grocery stores must continue to operate at reduced capacity; bars, wineries, salons and in-restaurant dining will remain shut down; and hotels can only be open for critical infrastructure support.
Originally set for three weeks, the state-mandated shutdown in Southern California was set to expire Monday, according to the California Department of Public Health.
