Governor issues clarification of stay-at-home rules

Outdoor exercise, care for the children and elderly, and more

By Roberta Millstein

Last night at around 10:30 PM, the Office of the Governor of California tweeted that there was new information available for the Governor’s Stay-at-home rule.  You can find those online at: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/

For example, many people had wondered whether they could still go outside for exercise.  The webpage clarifies that:

Outdoor recreation

Can I still exercise? Take my kids to the park for fresh air? Take a walk around the block? Walk my dog?

Yes. So long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air. Gyms are closed.

Does this order affect hiking? State Parks?

No, you may still go outside so long as you practice social distancing of six feet. California State Parks have closed indoor facilities and campgrounds, but trails and outdoor spaces are still open. Spending time outdoors can lead to a number of overall health and wellness benefits like lessening anxiety, boosting creativity and getting your vitamin D. If you decide to make a trip, remember to keep social distance.

It also clarifies what’s open, what’s closed, whether the order can be changed (yes), as well issues having to do with businesses and taxes, schools and childcare, health care and helping sick relatives, and caring for a pet.

Yolo County had issued its “shelter-in-place-of-residence” orders on March 18; the Governor’s office issued their orders the next day, March 19, superseding those orders.  However, the Governor’s orders were very sparse and vague, leading to a barrage of questions on Twitter from confused people who didn’t know if they could or should go to work, whether they could go outside at all, whether they could still care for sick relatives.  It also led to this article, calling out the problems with the Governor’s order.

Luckily for us, Yolo County Supervisor Jim Provenza stepped up to fill the leadership vacuum, saying:

…at this time we are enforcing Yolo County’s order. County Counsel is researching whether or not there are any conflicts with the Governor’s order and, if so, how to handle it. For now, everyone is safe if they follow Yolo County’s order.

Still, the Governor's clarification is a relief.  Hopefully future directives from the Governor’s office will be clearer from the outset.  In the meantime, get outside – with proper social distancing – when you can, and keep supporting each other virtually.

Be well, Davisites.  We’ve got this.