UPDATE: Shortly after this story was published, health officers from seven Bay Area jurisdictions issued a joint press release extending the shelter-in-place order through May 3. The headline of this story has been changed to reflect that update. The text and audio file below have not been modified.
In an effort to prevent a spike in COVID-19 that could overwhelm hospitals, San Francisco officials announced an extension of the shelter-in-place order until May 1, and promised more details in the coming days. Mayor London Breed and Department of Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax made the announcement at a virtual press conference on Monday and thanked residents for improved compliance with the order.
“This weekend things looked like somewhat of a success in terms of social distancing for the most part, definitely an improvement from last weekend,” Breed said.
The two officials also offered updates on the expanding outbreak of COVID-19 at Laguna Honda Hospital, where 11 cases have been confirmed. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from the California Department of Public Health have arrived to help local medical workers evaluate the situation and develop a plan to manage it.
“I am grateful for this help, and we need more,” Colfax said.
As of Monday morning, there were 374 recorded cases of COVID-19 and six deaths in San Francisco. Hear the full announcement below.
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