What a ‘Shelter in Place’ scenario in New York City MIGHT look like.

Update on March 18, 2020: The Mayor had a talk with Roma Torre of NY1 News and because of some sensed confusion amongst New Yorkers as to what a ‘Shelter in Place’ means, he went on to clarify it by instructing folks to look at San Francisco’s listings. Well, yours truly had already done that with and through this very page which you’re about to read. Admittedly, I began with San Mateo but I did mention below how San Francisco is basically the same thing. So anyhow, thanks for checking out this page and please continue reading.

BTW, you can read about the Mayor’s talk right here on this newly posted write-up.

Original Posting:

Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio today announced that an order for a ‘Shelter in Place’ may come within 48 hours.

It wasn’t until very recently that I looked into what such a scenario might look like. I’ve heard mention of the term off and on over the past week or so, but what exactly did it mean?

Well, yesterday, on March 16, a number of Californian counties in the Bay Area were ordered to undergo exactly that. Of course, this is the sort of thing, much like the financial and social hell being brought on by this Coronavirus Pandemic, which most if not all of us have never witnessed in our lives. So I went off in search and came upon one page from the County of San Mateo Government website. Below are a number of items borrowed from their page dedicated to Shelter in Place FAQs.

Then I took a look at San Francisco’s page and admittedly their approach is a whole lot friendlier but message is basically the same.

So my friends, fellow New Yorkers and citizens of the world. It’s a scary time we’re living in. Absolutely mind-boggling how this all came about in such a relatively short period of time. But if you remember one thing, aside from listening to governmental and medical guidance for the sake of yourself and your family, it’s to be kind.

REMEMBER, THIS IS FOR CALIFORNIA AND NOT FOR NEW YORK CITY.
As of the time of this writing on March 17, 2020 (early evening), there is no order in place for New York City. Not Yet.

WHAT CAN I DO? WHAT’S OPEN? (In San Mateo, California)

These essential services will remain open:

• City/County government services: police stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation including BART and Caltrain (use of public transportation is limited to essential required travel only), utilities (water, power and gas), and city offices
• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
• Hardware stores/plumbers/electricians and those who provide services necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences
• Banks
• Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis
• Laundromats/laundry services
• Cemeteries

What can’t I do? (In San Mateo, California)

• You cannot engage in group activities in person with others.
• You cannot have dinner parties. You cannot invite friends over to your home to hang out.
• You cannot go to bars or nightclubs.
• You cannot go to a nail salon or get your hair cut by a stylist or barber.
• You cannot go shopping for non-essential goods.
• You cannot take unnecessary trips on public transport or in your car or motorbike.

These essential services will remain open: (In San Mateo, California)

• City/County government services: police stations, fire stations, hospitals/clinics and healthcare operations, jails, courts, garbage/sanitation, transportation including BART and Caltrain (use of public transportation is limited to essential required travel only), utilities (water, power and gas), and city offices
• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
• Hardware stores/plumbers/electricians and those who provide services necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences
• Banks
• Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis
• Laundromats/laundry services
• Cemeteries

It is mandatory. (In San Mateo, California)

• This Order is a legal Order issued under the authority of California law. You are required to comply, and it is a misdemeanor crime not to follow the order (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble).
• It is critical for everyone to follow the Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, neighbors and the whole community.
• All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Order.

CAN I STILL GET DELIVERIES FROM ONLINE STORES? CAN I ORDER FROM ONLINE STORES? (In San Mateo, California)

• The mail and other delivery services to your home can continue to function, as can food delivery services.
• Yes, you can place more orders from online stores. Businesses that deliver goods or services directly to residences are essential businesses that may continue to operate.