Fresno residents asked to ‘shelter in place’ to prevent spread of coronavirus | The Fresno Bee

The city of Fresno on Wednesday issued a “shelter in place” order for residents to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The order allows residents to leave their homes for essential services, such as grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, picking up medications or going to work if their place of employment is deemed essential. When people do leave their homes, the order instructs them to practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet away from others. The order urges the elderly and people with illnesses to stay home as much as possible.

The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and will last until March 31, though it may be extended.

City Manager Wilma Quan signed the order Wednesday and the City Council later ratified it during an emergency meeting.

Mayor Lee Brand said in a media briefing that city leaders are monitoring the coronavirus pandemic daily and provisions in the order may change.

“We are making the most difficult decision we’ve ever made,” Brand said. “…In the end this is really a life and death situation.”

After the council emerged from a closed session to announce its decision, it was joined by Brand and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, who said he was concerned that not enough people were being serious enough about social distancing.

“I need to remind you that you may not experience the symptoms of COVID-19, but you can be a carrier,” he said. “Please don’t be complacent about what is happening.”

The mayor said he hopes the order helps “flatten the curve” in Fresno – meaning he hopes to avoid a significant spike in coronavirus cases that would overwhelm area hospitals.

The order comes two days after Brand declared a state of emergency and as the city has ordered bars closed and restaurants to restrict their business to take-out orders only. Under this order, restaurants are allowed to serve food only for delivery or take out.

Other areas around the state, such as many Bay Area cities, have issued similar orders this week.

As of Wednesday morning, Fresno County Public Health Department confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 countywide, but health officials said that number is expected to increase.

Outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and running are still OK as long as residents practice social distancing. City parks remain open and are not collecting parking fees.

The order differentiates between essential and non-essential businesses, saying essential businesses can remain open and non-essential businesses that must close.

Consequences, and what’s happening outside city limits

The order doesn’t outline any consequences for violators, and city leaders urged residents to voluntarily comply. The order only applies to residents in city limits, but Brand said he hopes neighboring jurisdictions enact similar measures soon.

The city of Clovis responded to Fresno’s plans Wednesday afternoon saying it had no plans at this time to issue a shelter-in-place ordinance, according to city spokesman Chad McCollum.

Later Wednesday, Clovis announced that it would immediately begin enforcing closure of gyms and health clubs, amusement parks, arcades, laser tag, trampoline parks and bounce houses, and theaters. The actions are in line with the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the state and follows the actions of multiple cities across the country.

Fresno County officials, meanwhile, said they have no plans to issue shelter-in-place ordinance.

Brand said so far, Fresno restaurants and bars have mostly complied with the city’s direction to shut down dining rooms and instead provide take-out service.

Brand and City Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Luis Chavez stressed that Fresno’s water quality remains in excellent condition and the food supply chain remains intact. Other utilities such as power, sewage and garbage collection, telecommunication and internet will continue and won’t be shut off.

The city leaders urged residents not to panic.

After the announcement on Wednesday, Councilmember Garry Bredefeld said he would like to see more data on the issue and hopes to see more coordination in the future with neighboring cities such as Clovis. He said there needs to be more testing so that the available data accurately reflects what’s happening.

He also expressed frustration that the homeless, “many who are involved in drugs and spreading disease,” are exempt from the city’s shelter-in-place order. He said he’s also concerned about small businesses and people living paycheck to paycheck.

“I”m all for social distancing. I’m all for proper hygiene. We need to encourage that,” he said. “But we need to be sensitive to the decisions that we’re making.”

Bredefeld ended his comments by telling residents, “We can’t let fear rule the day.”

Councilmember Mike Karbassi stressed that the council was unified in its decision. “This is not a time for political speeches,” he said.

Advocates call for further action

In a letter to Central Valley mayors, city councils and other governing bodies, a coalition of advocacy organizations called for governments to enact further protective measures.

The coalition, which includes Faith in the Valley, the ACLU, Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability and more, asked for a prohibition on foreclosures and evictions and a number of other housing protections.

The Fresno City Council will discuss an eviction moratorium at its Thursday meeting, but until then the city is following the state of California’s eviction moratorium.

The coalition group also asked government agencies to set aside money to create relief funds and to ensure public participation in public meetings.

“While this is an unprecedented and worrisome time, it is also an historic opportunity for Central Valley cities and counties to lead, work together and look out for one another, particularly our most vulnerable neighbors,” the letter said.

The city of Fresno’s shelter-in-place order outlines businesses that may remain open and businesses “that shall close,” including:

Businesses that may remain open

▪ Healthcare providers, including doctors, dentists, pharmacies, veterinarians and mental health professionals

▪ Utility companies including water, power, cable and internet providers

▪ Government services

▪ Grocery stores including farmer’s markets, convenience stores, pet supply and drug stores

▪ Farming

▪ Homeless service providers

▪ Media

▪ Gas stations and auto repair

▪ Banks

▪ Hardware stores

▪ Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, HVAC

▪ Mailing and shipping services

▪ Schools, for providing meals and online learning

▪ Laundromats and dry cleaners

▪ Restaurants, take-out only

▪ Office supply stores

▪ Transportation providers, including airlines, buses, taxi services and ride shares such as Uber and Lyft

▪ Home-based care for seniors, adults and children

▪ Residential facilities for seniors, adults and children

▪ Professional services including legal and accounting, only as needed to assist with legally mandated activities

▪ Childcare facilities, with restrictions

Businesses that shall close

▪ Gyms and fitness centers

▪ Movie theaters

▪ Amusement centers

▪ Bars and nightclubs

▪ Salons, barbers and day spas

▪ Auto sales

▪ Other retail

▪ Clothing and book stores

▪ Industrial and manufacturing not related to essential function