California Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered a statewide curfew, as the number of new coronavirus cases continues to rise.
According to new orders, over 94% of Californians must stay in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless they are into any essential activities. The orders apply to more than 40 counties across the state due to the escalation in new coronavirus cases.
Newsom said, “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.”
“It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges,” he added. “We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”
The California curfew will start from November 21 to December 21.
The governor explained that the number of new cases increases during activities driven by inebriation and late-night activities, warning of “social activities and gatherings that have a higher likelihood of leading to reduced inhibition.”
California Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mark Ghaly agreed to Newsom and told reporters that Californians engaged in late-night antics, spreading the virus to those who are at risk.
Ghaly said, “Many people who may be out and about between 10 and 5 are not the most vulnerable, not the oldest Californians, but we know those who are out, who might be engaged in higher-risk behaviors, that those infections can quickly spread.”
Newsom and public health authorities have warned Californians that they are entering a perilous new phase and have urged them to avoid large gatherings during Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays. Los Angeles has already ordered a lighter curfew, urging businesses to shut their doors from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting today.
