In California, the US’s most populous state, 900 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Nineteen have died from it.
In order to slow the disease’s spread and prevent cases from overtaxing medical services, California’s governor, Gavin Newson, has put sweeping new restrictions in place.
The restrictions went into effect Thursday at midnight. They require California’s 40 million residents to stay home. This is unless they are commuting to an essential job or stocking up on supplies.
This marks the first major legislation requiring people to stay in during the pandemic. It is a drastic step that many in the US had not expected to see.
These restrictions by governor Newsom went into effect on Friday. They will remain in effect “until further notice.”
Newsom stated in a press conference on Wednesday that data suggests that over half the population of California is expected to contract the disease over the next two months.
“This is a moment where we need some straight talk,” Governor Newsom told news outlets. “As individuals and as a community, we need to do more to meet this moment.”
However, Newsom also clarified in interviews that the lockdown order won’t be enforced by police. State officials will instead strongly encourage the mandate.
“I don’t believe the people of California need to be told through law enforcement that it’s appropriate just to home-isolate, protect themselves,” Newsom told reporters. “We are confident that the people of the state of California will abide by it and do the right thing.”
The state will keep crucial businesses, like pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, delivery restaurants and food banks, open through the lockdown. On the flip side, dine-in restaurants, convention centers, gyms and bars will be shut down throughout the pandemic.
This pandemic has been eye-opening for millions of Americans. The services that are considered “crucial” during a viral outbreak are largely manned by working-class people. They are often underinsured and overworked.
The people working on the front line are those who are the most vulnerable to catching, and then spreading, the disease.
Many have noted the irony of the order to practice social distancing and work from home. The people who would benefit the most from isolation – those without health insurance or much money to support themselves – are the ones who still have to go to work.
