New Health Order for California - Limited Stay at Home

As we move towards the last days of classes for Fall Term, I wanted to confirm that you are aware of the most recent health order from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). On Wednesday, CDPH issued a Limited Stay at Home order effective Saturday, November 21 until Monday, December 21, 2020. This order impacts all counties that are in Tier 1 (Purple), which does include our county, Contra Costa, and the majority of the Bay Area.

Here is a quick summary of the order:

• Prevent the spread of COVID-19  by reducing movement and mixing of individuals outside of their households;
• Individuals are asked to cease gatherings outside of their household between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (PST);
• Individuals can leave their residence as long as they do not engage in any interaction or gathering with any number of persons from any other household.
• The order is effective as of Saturday at 10 p.m. until Monday, December 21.

Because we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday and online finals week, there will not be a big impact for on campus students but here are some key points:

• The order still allows for necessary trips out of your primary residence (e.g. grocery store trip, take-out/drive-thru food pick-up, going for a run for exercise); 
• Students are able to travel home for Winter Recess and should follow County recommendations for staying safe during the holidays;
• The hours for Dryden Study Commons will be modified as follows:
  • 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 to Tuesday, Nov. 24: 
  • 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29;
  • Noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30 to Wednesday, Dec. 2.
• Students can leave their residence hall rooms but are restricted from gathering with others even outdoors after 10 p.m. (e.g. no outdoor dining at restaurants or service at bars);
• Any Saint Mary’s residential programs will be virtual.

For students living off-campus, there may be a different impact:

• The order still allows for necessary trips out of your primary residence (e.g. grocery store trip, take-out/drive through food pick-up, going for a run for exercise);  
• Please be aware of the restriction on gatherings with others outside of your household after 10 p.m. (no outdoor dining at restaurants or service at bars).
• Individuals should not be hosting any gatherings (indoors or outdoors) with others who live in different apartments or houses.

If you are looking for additional information about hours for College services available, you can review this Campus Services site. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have additional questions. We thank you for your continued vigilance in wearing your facial coverings, maintaining at least 6-feet of distance from others, and doing your Daily Health Screenings if you live on or come to campus. We are on the home stretch to the end of the term and your actions now will affect our recovery from this pandemic. Thank you for your support of the health of your loved ones, the Saint Mary’s  community and your communities at home.

Jane Camarillo, Ph.D.

Vice Provost for Student Life