Shelter-in-place enforced in Monterey County

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) Daily patrol for Corporal Alex Sakhrani with the Seaside Police Department looks a bit different now.

Thursday, he reminded people that gathering in large groups is, now, against the law.

Monterey County has been under a shelter-in-place order for less than 48 hours.

Seaside Police are keeping their eyes peeled for activities that, just a week ago, they might have considered harmless. "We really want everyone to comply with the orders. So far, it has worked," said Sakhrani.

From the outside, people seem to be abiding by state and county orders to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Businesses, not determined by the county as "essential," have closed their doors to the public. Restaurants are posting signs about "to-go" options. Schools stay silent. Streets are essentially barren.

"The county says people can be outside for exercise or walking their dogs. They still have to live their every day lives. I'm not really concerned about that. It's a concern when people are gathering," said Sakhrani.

According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, violating the shelter-in-place order could result in up to $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail.

Seaside Police said they have yet to issue any citations. Sakhrani said they are more focused on educating the public than getting anyone in trouble.

"I don't want to cause any more stress on them because, right now, they're out of work," said Sakhrani.

Seaside Police are also considering ways to safely use their S.N.A.A.C.K van to continue to provide resources to the community.