SAN DIEGO–The Southern California intensive care unit (ICU) bed capacity has dropped below 15%, and the state will require San Diego County to implement a Regional Stay Home Order that prohibits gatherings of any size and closes operations in multiple sectors, including restaurants, bars, wineries, and personal services.
The current ICU capacity for the Southern California region, which includes San Diego and 10 other counties, is now 12.5%. The order will go into effect Monday and will last for at least three weeks or until the region’s ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. The order will be assessed by the state on a weekly basis after the three-week period.
“Lives are at stake, so this action is necessary,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Epidemiology and Immunization Services at the County Health and Human Services Agency. “We must restrict our activities and avoid contact with others to reduce transmissions of COVID-19.”
Among restrictions that go beyond the current Purple Tier that already apply to San Diego:
- No gatherings of any size.
- Restaurants open for takeout, delivery or drive-thru only. No on-site dining.
- Indoor operations limited to 20%.
- Hotels and lodging. Open only for critical infrastructure support.
The following will be closed from operating in any form, indoors or outdoors:
- Indoor or outdoor playgrounds
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Personal care services, including nail salons
- Museums, zoos and aquariums
- Movie theaters
- Wineries
- Cardrooms and satellite wagering
- Overnight stays at campgrounds
Essential businesses such as supermarkets, grocery stores, laundromats and pharmacies will remain open.
Parks, beaches and hiking and bike trails remain open. Other outdoor activities are also permitted but a face mask and social distancing is required.
A total of 2,287 COVID-19 confirmed cases were reported on Dec. 4, surpassing the record 2,039 cases reported the previous day. The region’s total is now 90,468.
“These high numbers are likely the result of the cooler weather and increased social interactions, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday,” McDonald said. “We’re seeing new daily cases reported in the 2,000s. We cannot let this trend become the new normal.”
McDonald urged San Diegans with COVID-19 symptoms and those who traveled or attended Thanksgiving gatherings to get tested immediately to prevent from spreading the virus to others.
The County operates more than 50 testing sites throughout the region. All COVID-19 tests are free and most of the sites do not require an appointment.
For more information on testing, visit 211sandiego.org or call 2-1-1.
