The County of San Luis Obispo has issued an order for people to shelter-at-home starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Local authorities are calling for the temporary suspension of "non-essential" services and businesses during the order which has left many wondering, what is considered non-essential?
Here's a list of the businesses and industries San Luis Obispo County officials say are allowed to continue operating despite the shelter-at-home order:
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
- Public safety and first responders, including dispatch and emergency response
- Utility companies - sewer, gas, electrical, internet and water
- Airport operations
- Transportation providers - buses, taxi, ride-share operators
- Essential government operations (check with each jurisdiction)
- Non-profit and educational entities, to the extent that they provide essential services
- Health care operations - doctors, dentists, pharmacies, veterinarians, mental health professionals
- Banks and related financial institutions
- Mailing and shipping services
- Laundromats, dry cleaners and other laundry services
- Restaurants and other food serves can remain open ONLY for delivery or carry-out
- Businesses that ship groceries to residents
- Home-based care for seniors, adults or children
- Grocery stores
- Food banks
- Certified farmers' markets
- Stores that provide household items such as sanitary items
- Food cultivation such as farming, livestock and fishing
- Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities
- Newspapers, television and radio
- Gas stations, auto supply and auto repair
- Hardware stores
- Plumbers, electricians, exterminators
- Businesses that allow people to work from home (example, office-supply stores)
- Businesses that allow other businesses to remain open (example, custodial)
- Childcare services
San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon says the following non-essential businesses and services are not allowed to operate for the time being:
NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Movie theaters
- Amusement centers
- Bars and nightclubs
- Salons, barbers and spas
- Auto sales
- Clothing retail
- Bookstores
- Other retail
- Private clubs
- Industrial and manufacturing not related to essential function
Shelter-at-home does not mean you must stay indoors 24/7 until the order is listed. County officials say you are allowed to do the following:
- Go for a hike, walk or bike ride so long as you keep 6+ feet away from others
- Go grocery shopping
- Go to the pharmacy
- Go to the doctor/dentist/veterinarian
- Order delivery or take-out from local restaurants
Authorities are asking people to avoid these activities:
- Group gatherings
- Leaving your home for anything non-essential
- Spending time with friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers who are sick
- Touching your face
The shelter-at-home order goes into effect on Thursday, March 19 at 5 p.m. and will remain in place until April 17. Officials say the order will be reviewed every 14 days.
