Officers will contact local businesses to give direction and anticipate voluntary compliance from community members. The order is enforceable under California Health and Safety Code 120295. Businesses that do not provide "essential" services are required to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the safety of their workers and the public.
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills said that officers would be looking to educate people, not to make arrests. "Law enforcement is the last resort to obtain compliance; however, the public must understand the dire consequences. We intend to adhere to the goal of keeping people safe."
This the situation is unprecedented, and unlike anything, we've experienced before. The City of Santa Cruz's highest priority is the health and safety of our community. Maintaining law and order is the Santa Police Department's focus, and we are prepared and staffed to provide essential public safety services.
While we appreciate your confidence in our Department, all virus related questions should be directed to 2-1-1, or text coronavirus to 211211, or visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus and NOT to our Dispatchers.
We ask that the public NOT to call 9-1-1 to report potential County Order violations. Instead, call the non-emergency line 831-471-1131, Visit www.santacruzpolice.com to file a report online so that our Dispatchers may continue to handle emergency calls. Anonymous callers can leave a message on the Crime Tip Line voicemail at 831-420-5995.
The Santa Cruz County Public Health Department has also created a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the County Order visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus.
For more information and updates on how the City of Santa Cruz is monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019, visit our website at www.cityofsantacruz.com/coronavirus to stay informed. General updates also posted to SCPD, SCFD, and City of Santa Cruz social media accounts.
Shelter In Place - The BASICS: All community members should stay home except to:
- Perform essential duties for business continuity or government functions
- To get food
- Care for a relative or friend
- Get necessary health care
- Or, perform activities related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time.
Vulnerable populations-especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions-must stay home.
It is OK to go outside for walks if you are not in a group and practice proper social distancing.
Essential services and places will remain open, such as:
- City/County government services (i.e., Police, Fire, Utility Companies, Transportation)
- Gas Stations
- Pharmacies
- Places to get food/drinks (Grocery stores, Food banks, convenience stores, takeout & delivery restaurants)
- Banks
- Laundromats
- Cemeteries
- Hardware stores/plumbers/electricians and those who provide necessary goods & services for residences.
