December 16, 2020 – San Mateo County and 10 other Bay Area counties are now under a mandatory Regional Stay At Home Order as of Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11:59 pm. The order will stay in effect for at least three weeks.
Private gatherings of any size are prohibited, except for outdoor church services and political demonstrations. Restaurants must stop offering in-person dining and can offer only take-out and delivery. Many businesses and activities must close, including salons and barbershops. Retail can remain open at 20 percent capacity. Nonessential travel and the use of hotels or short-term rentals for leisure is banned.
The Stay At Home Order was triggered due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and a decline in ICU capacity, in San Mateo County. Regional ICU capacity has fallen to 12.9%, and the case positivity 14-day average in San Mateo County is now 8%, up from 2.1% in early November. State and County metrics are available at the California COVID-19 Dashboard.
How does this affect our District and Colleges?
Education is categorized as an essential activity under the Stay At Home Order. The limited, previously planned, on-campus classes and other operations will continue as scheduled.
- Essential employees working onsite should continue to report to work as scheduled.
- Limited face-to-face classes will continue to meet on campus as planned.
- Commuting to class or work is allowed for essential employees, and the students and instructors involved in scheduled face-to-face classes.
District academic and administrative operations had already been adjusted to comply with the requirements of the Stay At Home Order.
- Indoor athletics and conditioning for sports teams at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College have been canceled.
- Indoor operations at San Mateo Athletic Club have been canceled (the outdoor pool and outdoor fitness center remain open subject to COVID-19 restrictions).
What is still allowed under the Stay At Home Order?
These essential activities are permitted:
- Going to the doctor
- Buying groceries and picking up takeout food
- Outdoor recreation like walking, hiking and cycling
- Outdoor religious ceremonies
- Retail operations and shopping centers at 20% capacity
Where is this in effect?
The Regional Stay At Home Order is in effect in the following counties:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- Monterey
- Napa
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
- Solano
- Sonoma
More information
For a more detailed description of the order, why is was implemented, and what is open/closed, see the San Mateo County announcement.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest information:
- San Mateo County Health: Data Dashboard/Health Officer Updates
- Local COVID-19 testing options
- Health order violation reporting and appeals
- State guidance for employers and specific industries
- California COVID-19 Dashboard
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
San Mateo County residents can call 2-1-1 with non-medical, non-emergency questions about the coronavirus and local community resources, any time, day or night.