SLO County urges residents to avoid gathering outdoors despite nice weather
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - While staying physically active outside is healthy and encouraged by experts, San Luis Obispo County is concerned after receiving an increase in calls regarding group gatherings at local beaches.
San Luis Obispo County is currently under both state and local Shelter at Home Orders intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid overwhelming the health care system.
“Using the term shelter at home does not literally mean that people should not leave their homes for essential activities or fresh air and exercise,” said County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein.
However, it does mean that people should limit group activities, unnecessary travel and business functions, doing only what is most basic and essential.
The order also urges residents to follow physical distancing requirements at all times when outside their homes by remaining at least six feet away from others.
“We’re enjoying some really nice weather, and I too would like to be hanging out at the beach with my friends but now is not the time to gather in groups,” said Borenstein. “Our county has done a terrific job so far of keeping our rate of new COVID-19 infections in check, and we don’t want to risk undoing all that good work.”
If you do go outside to enjoy the good weather, health officials recommend you implement the following strategies to keep yourself and others healthy:
• Check for any local restrictions at city, county, and state recreational areas.
• Avoid gathering with others outside of your household.
• Stay at least six feet from others at all times and avoid crowded areas.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to use if soap and water are not available.
For more information about the county's response to COVID-19 and the number of cases in the area, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903.
For COVID-19 related questions, you can also call the county's phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
