In March 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Stay at Home Order and the County of San Diego’s public health orders first went into effect in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the very beginning, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has been proactive about educating the public about these orders, including what they do and do not permit. The goal of this education campaign has always been to gain voluntary compliance. Thankfully, most of the county has done just that by wearing facial coverings, practicing social distancing and avoiding public gatherings. This led to a gradual reopening of many sectors of our county.
Today, San Diego County has issued new restrictions due to an increase in COVID-19 cases across the state and our region. That includes the closure of all bars, wineries, distilleries and breweries that don’t serve food. Those establishments that do serve food must now close from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
In addition, stay-at-home orders and facial covering/social distancing restrictions remain in effect. Now more than ever, we need the public’s help to ensure we prevent the spread of COVID-19 in San Diego County. These orders were not issued to inconvenience people. They are in place to save lives.
This Fourth of July weekend, the Sheriff’s Department will continue educating the public and businesses about all the recent changes to the public health orders. We are hopeful we will get voluntary compliance like we have throughout the pandemic.
We also want to remind the public that deputies will enforce the orders, which do carry the weight of law, as needed and as appropriate when voluntary compliance is not achieved.
Our enforcement actions will be coordinated with and supported by county and state regulatory agencies.
Any businesses found in violation of these orders will be reported to the County Health Officer for further investigation and possible action, which could result in the closing of a business not in compliance.
