Monterey County Health Department removes end date from Shelter in Place order to align with state

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Health Department has reissued its Shelter in Place order, and it has removed the end date of April 7.

Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County's Health Officer, decided to reissue it to align with the Stay Home Order Governor Newsom issued Thursday, which is in effect until further notice.

"Older adults are at greater risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19. It is imperative that all county residents adhere to my County Health Officer Shelter in Place Order and the statewide Stay Home Order. You should stay at home unless you need to access essential services or are a provider of essential services. In addition, all employers should identify solutions that allow employees to work from home," Moreno said in a statement.

The Health Department said the move is consistent with the statewide order and orders issued by other health officers. The agency said there is no difference between a Shelter in Place or Stay at Home order, and said officials are working with state leaders to clarify the statewide order.

For more information, the Health Department's hotline can be reached at 831-755-4521 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions can also be emailed to covid-19@co.monterey.ca.us.