Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom and State Public Health Officer Erica Pan declared a ‘limited stay-at-home’ order in all purple tier counties. The order requires all non-essential gatherings to cease from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and it will last until Dec. 21 at 5 a.m. Newsom and Pan hope this mandate will lower the number of cases in California. Yet, many across the state are retaliating, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic, and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge. We are sounding the alarm,” declared Newsom in a public statement. However, the governor has drawn criticism due to his recent visit to the French Laundry in Yountville.
As of Nov. 29, the state holds over 1.2 million positive COVID-19 cases, with about 19,000 deaths as a result of the virus. The new order aims to contain Coronavirus cases in the 41 purple tier counties, which includes Sonoma County. Within these 41 counties, about 94% of the state’s population will be under this order.
However, many city and county officials are resisting. One of the most notable ‘anti-curfew’ rallies occurred in Huntington Beach, where a few hundred individuals protested on the initial night of the curfew. Huntington Beach Police stated the protest was peaceful, and they did not write citations for curfew violations. “We are seeking compliance and trying to educate people,’’ said Huntington Beach Lt. Ryan Reilly in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.
Another rally occurred in front of Eric Garcetti’s house, the Mayor of Los Angeles. Coined ‘Curfew Protest Block Party: No More Lockdowns,’ the rally was a place for citizens, business owners, and restaurant owners to gather and protest. They were particularly upset about the suspension of outdoor dining, which started on Nov. 25, as well.
“This is a different kind of moment, a new level of danger,” Garcetti said to the Los Angeles Times. “If we don’t make these decisions now, there really is only one outcome: We will almost certainly have to shut things down again. And more people will get sick and die.”
As for Sonoma County, law enforcement officials declared they will adhere to the order–to certain extents. “We’re not going to be out there pulling over every car and stopping every person who happens to be out in public between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 a.m.,” said Sheriff Mark Essick for the Press Democrat. However, many officials concluded that there will be a rise in complaint calls, and they will respond when needed.
Essick declared that he will not be rebelling against the curfew, unlike his position on COVID-19 regulations earlier this year. Essick gained controversy when he became a strong opponent of earlier COVID-19 regulations, demanding his deputies to stand with him in protest.
As of Nov. 29, Sonoma County has 12,049 positive COVID-19 cases, resulting in 157 deaths. Dr. Sundari Mase, the county health officer, notes that 7.5% of county cases are linked to gatherings, yet range from 5 to 14% across the pandemic–all figures being an underestimate. “Not everybody is giving us a very clear picture of what their risk factors are, what they’ve done. Many people don’t want to necessarily divulge that they’ve been to a social event or gathering,” said Mase, in an interview with the Press Democrat.
Especially with the holiday season coming, and Thanksgiving already passed, many health officials continue to grow weary of holiday travel. Although the CDC vehemently advised against it, the TSA reported that nearly 7 million people traveled during Thanksgiving week. “Americans, in our research, are telling us they are tired of being at home. They don’t want to give up taking trips, and they also want to see their friends and family for the holidays,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow in an NPR interview.
Even with extra precautions being taken, the nation is still divided by the COVID-19 crisis. With over 13 million cases and 266,000 deaths, the United States continues to lead the world in the amount of positive COVID-19 cases. Americans are hopeful for a vaccine in the near future, but the aftermath and recovery process from the COVID-19 virus remains unclear for the nation.
