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San Francisco Bay Area on lockdown over coronavirus

Stay home as much as possible until April 7, residents are being told.

Corinne Reichert Senior Editor
Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently writes news, analysis and features for CNET across the topics of electric vehicles, broadband networks, mobile devices, big tech, artificial intelligence, home technology and entertainment. In her spare time, she watches soccer games and F1 races, and goes to Disneyland as often as possible.
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Corinne Reichert
coronavirus-empty-streets-sf-0023

San Francisco's streets are emptying.

Angela Lang/CNET

San Francisco Bay Area residents will be required to stay home beginning Tuesday except for taking care of essential needs due to the spread of the coronavirus , Mayor London Breed announced Monday in a joint press conference with leaders of six counties. The requirements will come into force at midnight PT in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, although "necessary government functions and essential stores" will still be open. The measures will last through April 7, although the time frame could be shortened or lengthened.

The lockdown applies to residents of the counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa and Alameda, as well as the city of Berkeley.

"The most important thing you can do is remain home as much as possible. There is no need to rush out for food or supplies, as these stores will remain open," Breed tweeted. 

"There is no need to panic," Breed said. "A short-term inconvenience for the possibility of having a more significant impact ... on our health system."

Bars, gyms and restaurants will close at midnight, but banks, gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open.

Other state and regions are taking similar measures: The governors of New YorkNew Jersey and Connecticut took a similar action on Monday ordering the temporarily closure of all  gyms, movie theaters and casinos in the three states. Bars and restaurants will be restricted to take-out and delivery only.

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