Santa Cruz County Extends Coronavirus Shelter-In-Place Order

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County has extended its shelter-in-place order through May 3, bringing the county in line with many others in the immediate Bay Area that issued extensions Tuesday.

Santa Cruz County first issued its shelter-in-place order March 16, with plans to keep it in place through April 7.

Early evidence suggests that the last order has slowed transmission rates of the new coronavirus, the order said. County Health Officer Gail Newel will re-evaluate the order as more data is available.

“I expect the weeks ahead will be challenging, and it is imperative that we not let down our guard as we work together to reduce the impacts from this disease," Newel said in a news release Tuesday night announcing the change.

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As with the last order, all residents in the county are ordered to stay home and leave only for essential shopping, essential travel and essential jobs.

Anyone who does not comply is considered a "threat and menace to public health" and could be punished with jail time and a fine, according to the order.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets, food banks, gas stations, banks and laundromats are among the essential services that may continue operating under the order.

Workers in fields such as health care, food and agriculture, government and communications are among the critical workers who may continue to work. See a full list of critical businesses sectors here, as defined by the federal government.

Public and private gatherings are banned under the order. Even funerals are limited to 10 attendees.

People may leave their home for exercise but must keep at least 6 feet of separation between themselves and others.

In addition, the state of California is under a stay-at-home order, which is in place indefinitely.

Read the shelter-in-place order here:

Read an FAQ about the order:

Read more:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures