What Mission Viejo residents should know about the State Public Health Order

With the new State Public Health Order issued to slow the spread of COVID-19, here is what you need to know to stay healthy and safe.

The order, available at https://covid19.ca.gov, is a lawful order from the State of California that supersedes the County Public Health Order and requires your compliance. It directs all residents to stay home unless they work in one of the critical infrastructure sectors.  You can still get food, care for a relative and obtain necessary medications.  You should practice social distancing (six feet apart from others), good hygiene, avoid people who are sick and stay home if you’re sick.

Businesses and employees should review the critical infrastructure sectors to determine if they will still operate and at what level. Employees and employers who need financial assistance should visit this link.

Per the order, these essential services remain OPEN:

• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Food: grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
• Banks
• Laundromats/laundry service

In general, businesses that are CLOSED include:

• In-restaurant dining
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Public events and gatherings
• (See additional business information at this link)

You can go outside for walks and recreation but not in groups and should avoid play structures and playgrounds.

The goal of all this is to flatten the curve, which reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for everyone.  For more information on the State order, visit https://covid19.ca.gov.