LATEST, March 19, 6:40 p.m. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday night that the shelter-in-place order already in effect in the Bay Area and Los Angeles County will now be extended to the entire state and its 40 million residents.
The order takes effect at midnight and allows for essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies to remain open. Restaurants can also remain open for delivery and pickup only.
The mandate is identical to the one in the Bay Area, meaning individuals can also leave their houses to take a walk or go for a jog so long as they are practicing the requisite precautions when coming into contact with another individual.
Newsom did not state how long the order will remain in effect.