Health Officer Says SC Co. Will Modify Shelter Orders Next Week

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody issued a statement Friday addressing the next steps for safely lifting shelter restrictions.

Cody said she anticipates issuing a new order next week that will mark the end of a sector-specific strategy the county has used since shelter-in-place orders went into effect March 17.

Cody said the new orders and are still under development but that she expects to share them sometime in the middle of next week.

“It will go into effect several days later, giving businesses time to put appropriate safety measures in place,” Cody said.

Cody acknowledged concerns over easing restrictions amid a spike in cases through much of the country, noting the county has seen an uptick in cases and hospitalizations too.

County officials are balancing the public’s need to resume restricted activities while preventing the spread of the disease, which Cody acknowledged is a tough balancing act.

“All of us are safer when we stay home, and no activity can be made completely safe,” she said.

“Our success in this next phase depends on everyone’s faithful implementation of social distancing protocols, consistently wearing face coverings, and collectively following new norms of behavior that keep the spread of COVID-19 as low as possible.

“We are all in this together, as we have been throughout the pandemic. We must each do our part to reduce the total risk to our community and keep as many people safe as possible.”

Cody's statement can be viewed here.