PRESS RELEASE
City of Woodland
300 First Street
COVID-19 Update
Defining and Enforcing Shelter-in-Place and Social Distancing
Woodland, CA - March 20, 2020 - With Governor Newsom’s expanded shelter-in-place mandate covering all of California and Yolo County’s recent order to shelter-in-place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, many are wondering exactly what does “shelter-in-place” mean, and what is social distancing? While the Yolo County health order to shelter in place is through April 7, unless extended by the Yolo County Public Health Officer, Governor Newsom’s shelter-in-place mandate did not identify an end date.
The purpose of a “shelter in place” order is to further define and enforce social distancing.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing measures are a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community. This means minimizing close contact with others during the peak of an outbreak.
What does Shelter-In-Place Mean?
The public should stay at home as much as possible, with certain exceptions — such as to go to the supermarket, pick up prescriptions or go to the doctor; exercise, such as walking, running or hiking; and to check on relatives.
The City’s core operations are exceptions to the “Shelter-in-Place” order. These operations include police and fire services, operations and maintenance of critical infrastructure (sewer and water), garbage and recycling services, minimum parks maintenance, and management of the City’s emergency operations center.
Broader exceptions to “Shelter-in-Place” also include those working in the healthcare industry, food industry, financial industry, essential construction like housing, road building and maintenance, and public works projects.
What is Open?
- Grocery Stores, Supermarkets, and Convenience Stores
- Healthcare Facilities
- Banks
- Gas Stations, Auto parts Stores, and Auto repair facilities
- Hardware and Home improvement stores
- Plumbers, Electricians, and other Essential Trades
- Post Office and shipping businesses
- Restaurants (Delivery and Takeout Only)
- Laundromats and Dry Cleaners
- Airlines, Taxies, and other transportation services
- Home Based Care for Seniors, Adults, and Children
- Residential Care Facilities and Shelters
You may still notice construction and maintenance projects occurring in Woodland, like along Gibson Avenue. These activities are allowed under the health order. Certain essential activities are exempt, such as essential government and business services or essential public infrastructure construction, like roadwork and the construction of housing. As the housing shortage continues in Woodland and throughout California, it is imperative that construction projects continue to move forward during this difficult time, with increased measures put in place to protect the construction employees and inspectors from COVID-19.
Construction activities and services, however, may only be provided in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined the Order, to the extent possible. If and when more restrictive limits are imposed on Essential Infrastructure, the construction of housing, infrastructure, and directly related activities will continue, subject to the constraints described above.
In support of and to regulate those activities performed by the private sector, and while City Hall remains closed, the City of Woodland Building and Engineering Divisions will continue to review plans, issue permits and perform inspections for buildings, encroachment permits and subdivision work. Permit applications, plan reviews and inspections may be subject to delays, returns or other constraints during this period.
Where to Get or Provide Help
During this time of uncertainty, there are many resources available to the public. General questions can be directed to “2-1-1”. 211 is the information and referral helpline for community, government, social, and health services in Yolo County. Additional assistance options are available at https://www.yolocounty.org/coronavirus.
If you are interested in volunteering to help others during this time, we encourage you to visit the Just Serve website for opportunities at www.justserve.org or www.handsonsacto.org. Residents are also directed to the Yolo Food Bank to provide support for those in need of food during this time. To volunteer, please send contact information to yolofoodbank.org
City Council Meetings
Beginning with the Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 24, the City Council will be holding teleconferenced meetings each Tuesday at 6 pm with the next in-person meeting scheduled for April 21. City staff is implementing teleconferencing options for these meetings. Visit www.cityofwoodland.org to learn how and participate in the council meeting.
Yolo County is the lead agency for the COVID-19 response, for more information on the County response, please visit: https://www.yolocounty.org/coronavirus. Additional information can also be found at www.cityofwoodland.org. To receive email alerts from the City of Woodland visit www.cityofwoodland/notifyme. To receive email alerts from the County visit www.yolocounty.org.