Shelter in Place Order Extension Announced March 31, 2020 General COVID-19, Public Health On March 31, Alameda County and Contra Costa County joined five neighboring health jurisdictions to extend the jointly issued Shelter in Place Order through May 3, 2020, to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While the prior Shelter Order has been effective in slowing the rate of transmission of COVID-19 (“flattening the curve”), it is not enough. Given the continued increase in cases—more than eightfold since the Order was first issued on March 15th—the Bay Area Health Officers have determined that stricter social distancing is needed for a longer period of time. The goal remains to slow the rate of spread, prevent deaths, and stop the health care system from becoming overwhelmed. This Order is in effect until 11:59 PM on May 3, 2020, alongside the open-ended Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Newsom on March 19th; where more restrictive, our local order prevails. Review the full Alameda County order here. Review the full Contra Costa order here.