December 5, 2020 - SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY REGION – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that all sectors other than retail and essential operations will close in regions of the State where less than 15 percent of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds are available under a new Regional Stay Home Order. As of today, Regional ICU capacity has fallen below 15% available capacity, applying the Regional Stay Home Order to all counties in the San Joaquin Valley Region, effective Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 11:59 pm. The new Regional Order is a protective measure to limit the spread of COVID19 and support the most vulnerable community members and hospital frontline workers.
The Regional Stay Home Order will be in effect for at least 3 weeks and urges Californians to stay at home as much as possible to limit the mixing with other households that can lead to COVID19 spread. It allows access to (and travel for) critical services and allows outdoor activities to preserve Californians’ physical and mental health. This limited closure will help stop the surge and prevent overwhelming regional ICU capacity.
“We are at a point where surging cases and hospitalizations are not letting up. These protective measures require all of us to take action and be diligent. I can’t emphasize this enough – everyone must take personal steps to protect themselves and protect others,” said Dr. Salvador Sandoval, Merced County’s Public Health Officer.
“We know that people are tired of the stringent measures, but they are the only weapons we have to combat the virus. Now, more than ever, we need San Joaquin Valley residents to step up and take these actions seriously - wash hands, wear a face covering, limit gatherings, get tested and socially distance,” said Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County Public Health Officer.
"Our mountain communities rely on the region for ICU-level care for COVID and other serious medical conditions, transferring our sickest to hospitals in the San Joaquin Valley. These hospitals are stretched to capacity. It is crucial that each one of us does our part to decrease the transmission of COVID. Our collective actions will make a difference!" Dr. Eric Sergienko, Mariposa County Health Officer and Acting Health Officer for Tuolumne County.
“Our only hospital in San Benito County is completely full. This is an alarming situation that could get much worse. We can only get through this if we work together. Please follow our advice to keep yourself, your family and your neighbor’s safe,” says Dr. David Ghilarducci, San Benito Public Health Officer.
“Home for the holidays takes on a new meaning this year. We acknowledge that this order will change what the holiday season traditionally looks like for families. We are asking you to protect the vulnerable in your family and in your community by taking the order seriously and staying home,” said Dr. Simon Paul, Madera County Public Health Officer.
