This is a fast-moving pandemic. The situation is changing hour-by-hour.
We want to stay ahead of the virus and are planning for every contingency.
On matters of social distancing and other public health measures, we are in very close consultation with public health and medical experts. We are relying on their guidance.
We are working on further social distancing measures, including a directive to community members to stay at home except for essential purposes.
We can’t afford to get caught flat-footed. Days, or even hours, can make a difference.
This doesn’t mean people will be locked in their homes.
It means that if they don’t have to be out, they shouldn't be.
In the current draft, things that would be allowed include:
Trips to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the doctor, the vet, take-out food with appropriate social distancing, taking the dog for a walk, going for a hike or a jog, caring for a family member or a pet in another household.
In this framework many businesses would be considered essential.
These will likely include healthcare facilities, grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, farming, gas stations, auto repair shops, hardware stores, banks and credit unions, dry cleaners, delivery services, take-out, manufacturing companies, and more.
This list isn’t exhaustive and it could change, but it gives a sense of what the status quo would be during a Stay at Home order.
I am working with our jurisdictional partners on this order.
We will be updating you very soon.