SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — While California issued a "stay at home" order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, several "essential" services are still open.
Thursday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the order requiring Californians to remain home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But residents aren't totally locked into their homes during the order.
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Essential services that will remain open include:
- Gas stations, auto supply, and auto repair stores
- Pharmacies, including drug stores and legal cannabis dispensaries
- Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
- Essential governmental services, like police, fire, and first responder services, public transportation, garbage, utilities, etc.
- Airlines and taxi services for essential travel
- Banks and professional services
- Home-based care giving and childcare facilities for groups of 10 or less children (must be the same group each day)
- Laundromats and laundry services
- Pet supply stores and veterinarians
- Hardware stores selling safety, sanitation, and basic home items
- Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and safety and sanitation services
- Media services
- Homeless and social services
- Mailing and shipping services
- Educational institutions, though for virtual learning currently
A list of the state's critical infrastructure sectors can be found here.
While these services are allowed to stay open, the state said social distancing should be exercised while in public. Locals should also check specific locations they intend to use or visit to see if hours have been impacted by COVID-19.
This also means that residents can still get outside, go on a walk, walk their dog, and take the kids outside, but social distancing should be practiced.
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“You can still take your kids outside, practicing common sense and social distancing. You can still walk your dog,” Gov. Newsom said Thursday. "If we are to be criticized at this moment, let us be criticized for taking this moment seriously.”
In San Diego, many had already adjusted to social distancing, no dining inside restaurants, and closures of bars, gyms, and entertainment venues.
Things that are closed under the stay at home order and San Diego's own public health orders include:
- Dine-in restaurants
- Bars and nightclubs
- Entertainment venues
- Gyms and fitness studios
- Public events and gatherings
- Convention centers
INTERACTIVE MAP: Confirmed coronavirus cases in San Diego County