SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday ordered a statewide "limited Stay at Home Order" for San Diego County and other counties in the state's COVID-19 purple tier.
In a release on the governor’s website, the state’s curfew will take effect Saturday, Nov. 21. It will be from 10 p.m.-5 a.m.
The curfew is set to expire on Dec. 21 at 5 a.m.
The state said the restrictions are similar to the stay at home order issued in March.
This time, however, the order only applies to counties in California's purple tier status under its COVID-19 reopening plan.
Newsom said, “The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge. We are sounding the alarm. It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again."
San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, in response to the statewide curfew, said, "Look, we know we all want to see this pandemic end. And believe me, we do too. But those who float the public health orders, those who refuse to use masks and facial coverings are just prolonging the misery."
“Bottom line is, wear those damn masks out there. Socially distance. And the sooner we do that, the sooner we’re going to get through this crisis,” said San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore.
Gore says they are devoting four two-men deputy teams to work full time with county compliance officers.
He says they are not going door-to-door but following up on complaints about businesses or entities violating public health orders. They will attempt voluntary compliance and education first. If that doesn't work, it could lead to citations.
He says when it comes to enforcement, they want to work with local jurisdictions and police departments, but they will serve citations with or without their help.
"If they're not going to join with us in enforcement action, if that becomes necessary, we will issue those citations by ourselves without their assistance," Gore said.
Since Monday, the county has issued 52 cease-and-desist orders for businesses not in compliance.
Last week, California, Washington, and Oregon issued travel advisories that urge visitors from out-of-state or residents returning home from outside travel to self-quarantine for 14 days.