San Luis Obispo County announced a mandatory shelter-in-place for residents starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 19. 

The executive order was issued by County Emergency Services Director Wade Horton and was based on the spread and prevention of COVID-19. The virus currently has seven cases in SLO County. 

The shelter-in-place will remain in effect until April 17 and will be reviewed every 14 days. Residents are expected to stay at home, and all public gatherings are prohibited. According to the executive order, failure to comply is considered a misdemeanor that could be punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Essential businesses that can stay open include grocery stores, gas stations, banks and more. 

“The health and safety of our community is our top priority,” Horton said. “The actions we take today will help us get back to normal as soon as possible.We make this decision to preserve our healthcare system and insure that we have the capacity to care for the sickest of the sick during the pandemic.” 

The County Public Health Department has been working with hospitals, health care providers, and community partners to address COVID-19.

In regards to how this will affect Cuesta College, all lecture and laboratory classes will be moved completely online. This information was shared during an emergency Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 18.