Thread by @robertsalonga

NOW: Awaiting Bay Area public health officials discussing regional stay-at-home order for anyone not carrying out an "essential" function

In SF, officials announce that grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and gas stations will be allowed to stay open

@mercnews @EastBayTimes

@mercnews @EastBayTimes NEW: Santa Clara Co. public health director Dr. Sara Cody says there are 273 cases of #COVID19 in Bay Area counties

@mercnews @EastBayTimes All individuals are to shelter at their place of residence and maintain social distancing

Circumstances to leave and essential functions/businesses; people who are homeless are exempt but urge to seek shelter

Businesses non-essential to cease operations beyond basic functions

@mercnews @EastBayTimes All gatherings outside a home are prohibited with limited exception; non-essential travel prohibited

Mass transit will stay in operation

Personal travel will be limited to essential needs

Take effect midnight Wednesday, will be in place at least 3 weeks

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Health services, groceries, pharmacies, food can be ordered, gas stations, banks, hardware stores, and "essential" infrastructure will stay open

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Exemptions are going to be "complicated," Cody says.

"I recognize this is unprecedented ... but we must come together to do this."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes "We know we need to do this, and we know we need a regional approach. We all must to our best to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure essential services remain open."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes San Mateo County public health director: This does not mean disconnection.

"Does not mean empty streets," but that people who are out are doing so because they absolutely have to.

He recognizes cabin fever, and wants people to exercise discretion

@mercnews @EastBayTimes San Francisco health officer Tomas Aragon:

"The way we are going to do this is by reducing the community spread of this virus. Sheltering in place is a core strategy."

Reduces risk of being exposed, transmission, and demands on health care system

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Berkeley health officer Lisa Hernandez:

"With no medicine or vaccine, unified actions have the power to slow the virus and maintain a health community."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Scott Morrow of San Mateo County:

"We are in a rough place, and we are going to have difficult times ahead of us. The measures we are putting in place are temporary, but they will last longer than any of us want. This is the time to unite as a community."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Santa Clara Co. Supervisor Cindy Chavez:

"We as a community can completely handle this. The goal right now is to have as few as possible straining our medical resources."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo:

"We must move aggressively and immediately. The time for half measures is over, and history will not forgive us for waiting an hour more."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Liccardo: Particular emphasis on food distribution given national and state recommendations for older residents to self-isolate.

"If you're interested in heading to a restaurant, we hope that will remain open" and offer takeout

@mercnews @EastBayTimes More details for food distribution will be revealed Wednesday, mayor says.

"We will be using all the data at our disposal" to determine the most vulnerable and needy residents

@mercnews @EastBayTimes "We can continue to be a community, we will continue to find ways to help each other."

@mercnews @EastBayTimes Mayor: "No one should fear they need to buy everything in the (grocery) aisle."