Things change from moment to moment in the global effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus 19. At times, there is confusion over what various terms mean. We are expecting that we will receive more clarification in the near future. For now, this is what Californians have been told. Information is based on California Health Department and a release from CNN. Thank you.
Quarantine
People who may have been exposed to the virus are quarantined. Under a quarantine, a person should stay at home. If this is a traveler returning to their home after traveling from China to the United States, to stay in a provided facility. That quarantine is for 14 days. If a person tests negative for the virus after that can go back home.
What it means to be under a federal quarantine Some people may choose or be asked to self-quarantine, meaning they do it voluntarily just because they think they may have been exposed or they are being just cautious.Governments — federal, state and local — can order quarantines, and in fact, those repatriated from China were under a federal quarantine order. That’s only done in extremely rare situations, though. The last time it was ordered on a large scale was during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CNN)
Isolation
Isolation is used for people who either already have the virus or it is strongly suspected that they have the infection. If someone with the virus needs to be hospitalized, they will be kept in an isolation unit. People who have been infected with the virus may be asked to self-isolate at home if they have no symptoms or are only mildly ill.
Everything you need to prep for home quarantine It’s important to call your health provider, in any case, if you develop symptoms.Those in isolation should keep away from other people as much as possible. The CDC recommends that you use a separate bathroom, if available, wear a face mask when around others, and don’t share household items. (CNN)
Shelter in place
Before this week, the term “shelter in place” was used in an active shooter situation, and it meant “stay where you until the coast is clear.” In this situation with Covid 19 people are being asked to stay at home as much as possible, meaning they shouldn’t be out unless getting food, gas or other essentials, or for medical reasons.
What is and isn’t allowed during a ‘shelter-in-place’ order Essential services and those who work in those fields are exempt from this order. Health professionals, police, firefighters and other essential service providers are still expected to go to work. Those who work at grocery stores and gas stations are are also able to work. It is allowed and even encouraged for people to go outside for a walk or exercise in the California. But people are asked to keep their distance from others. SOCIAL DISTANCING must become the norm: Maintaining a six foot distance from all others unless they live in the same home with you.
California’s stay-at-home order
Thursday night Governor Newsom extended an order for Californians to STAY AT HOME in a public speech in San Diego. This is a state wide order. The order went into effect Thursday night and will remain in place “until further notice,” the governor’s office said. This is the first statewide order of its kind in response to the coronavirus.
Newsom stated that he didn’t think California residents needed to “be told through law enforcement that it’s appropriate just to home isolate and protect themselves.”
“There’s a social contract here. People I think recognize the need to do more and to meet this moment,” Newsom said. “People will self-regulate their behavior, they’ll begin to adjust and adapt as they have been quite significantly.”
“We will have social pressure that will encourage people to do the right thing,” the governor said.
“Residents can still go out for essential needs as long as they are practicing social distancing and “common sense,” the governor said.
Services including gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, farmer markets, and restaurants (providing only takeout and delivery options) as well as banks and laundromats will remain open, the governor’s office said.” Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services,” the office said. Dine-in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues, gyms and fitness studios and convention centers will be closed. Public events and gatherings are also not allowed, the office said.
