The state of California has issued a COVID curfew starting this Saturday for counties that are in the purple tier, including Alameda County, “generally requiring that non-essential work, movement, and gatherings stop between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. PST.” The curfew lasts until December 21.

The Alameda County Public Health Department clarifies what is allowed after 10 p.m. Restaurants can still be open after 10 p.m. for takeout, people can still go to the grocery store or pharmacy, and also walk their dogs. Essential workers are allowed to be at work or commute to and from work. Members of the same household can leave their residences, “as long as they do not intermingle with others while out.”

The goal is to limit social gatherings and especially gatherings that are indoors without masks, as well as parties.

The County explains the rationale for the new restrictions:

“We must take steps now to limit opportunities for people to mix and gather, especially indoors without masks, to avoid overwhelming our health care system, limit severe disease and death due to COVID-19, and protect frontline workers and medically vulnerable residents.

Prior experiences with surges in the Bay Area and around the world have demonstrated that limiting activities and gatherings, along with wearing face coverings, can flatten the curve. Acting quickly and aggressively will help us save lives. The Local Health Officer may act to restrict activities more than the State’s requirements in order to respond to local disease conditions and protect public health.”