San Diego Authorities To Crack Down On Stay-At-Home Violators

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — With the number of coronavirus cases and deaths continuing to climb in San Diego County, Sheriff Bill Gore announced Thursday that authorities will be cracking down on people and businesses violating stay-at-home orders.

As of Thursday, 966 coronavirus cases have been confirmed and 16 residents have died from COVID-19 in the county.

"The days of voluntary compliance are over," Gore said during Thursday's news briefing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March, advising Californians to stay at home except to obtain essential goods and services. Non-essential businesses were ordered to close.

The county issued similar public health orders in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

Since then, Gore said law enforcement officials in the county have worked hard to educate the public. Although sheriff's officials have sought voluntary compliance, authorities will now be cracking down on people and businesses breaking the rules.

"These are orders and we're reaching a critical time in our county's public health history right now," Gore said. "We will start issuing citations for violation of the public order and the governor's executive order."

Gore encouraged people to report non-essential businesses in violation of the orders to law enforcement agencies. Businesses can be reported to the non-emergency lines of the sheriff's department or local police departments or at 211sandiego.org.

"We want those businesses reported to law enforcement," Gore said. "They will be investigated and they will be cited if appropriate."

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Violations of the rules constitute misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, Gore said. He hopes citations won't be necessary.

"Let's take it serious," he said. "Let's pull together as a community like we always do."

In addition, county health officials on Thursday announced that employees of essential businesses who interact with the public must wear face coverings. These include grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and gas stations. The order goes into effect midnight Friday.

Essential employees not covering their nose and mouth should also be reported, officials said. Incidents can be reported at 211sandiego.org. Reports will be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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