COVID-19: Stay Home Order Information

The Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

Read the Executive Order (pdf)

See the list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (pdf).

*Updates to this list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce may be issued periodically, with the most recent updates reflected in blue text.

Frequently asked questions

When does the stay at home order go into effect and how long will we stay home? What areas of the state are covered?

The order went into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice. It covers the whole state of California, and it exempts activity as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.

Six key health and scientific indicators will be considered before modifying state’s stay-at-home order.

What can I do? What’s open?

What’s closed?

Can the Order be changed?

Yes. The Director of the California Department of Public Health may issue orders as needed – for example if more information emerges about the public health situation – and issue new orders and directives as conditions warrant.

How does this order interact with local orders to shelter in place? Does it supersede them?

Business and taxes

What businesses and organizations are exempt?

I run/work at an exempted business or organization, as defined by the Order. Do I need to get an official letter of authorization from the state to operate?

Do I need to pay my taxes?

Schools and childcare

My school is providing free grab-and-go meals and childcare. Are those still open?

Are daycares still open? Can my babysitter still come to the house?

Health care and helping sick relatives

What if I need to visit a health care provider?

What about routine, elective or non-urgent medical appointments?

Can I still go out to get my prescriptions?

How can I make sure the older Californians in my life are safe and healthy during the stay home order?

I am an older Californian who is isolating at home and I need non-urgent assistance. What can I do?

Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?

Can I visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility?

Outdoor recreation

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

Can I walk my dog? Take my pet to the vet?

Can people still go hiking or visit State Parks?