Cities around the world are taking necessary precautions to help contain and mitigate the widespread effects of the coronavirus strain COVID-19. And although the United States has slowly increased its efforts to keep the virus at bay, some cities handling looming uneasiness and building panic over the virus better than others.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported on the afternoon of March 16th San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced both the city and surrounding six county area had issued a new public health order to "Shelter in Place." While requiring residents to stay indoors as much as possible, the initiative also provides flexibility for residents to, "go outside [...], and in fact, health officers encouraged people to run, hike and walk their dogs, as long as they do it alone or with close family, and keep six feet away from others. Trails and parks are open, but people cannot gather in groups." 

San Francisco's announcement follows the recent decision by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to shut down local bars and entertainment venues for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Center for Disease Control also issued a nationwide recommendation that Americans avoid gatherings of 50 or more people nationwide. The new directive in San Francisco is set to take effect on Tuesday at 12:01 A.M.; The six county area will be asked to "stay in place" until at least April 7th.

While many individuals have been left uneasy by the piecemeal changes taking place from city to city, the San Francisco Bay Area's new order at least provides the region's over 6 million residents with a level of agency that comes with a sense of collective reassurance.

The San Francisco order is among the "first to direct people to stay at home and avoid social interactions" in the nation,The San Francisco Chronicle's Erin Allday explains. And while the threat of the virus continues to loom over the daily lives of people around the world, orders like "Shelter in Place" can provide residents with a chance to brace themselves for what is yet to come. Dr. Scott Morrow, the San Mateo County health officer, explained during a news conference covered by The San Francisco Chronicle that "We are in a rough place. And we are going to have difficult times ahead of us [...] The measures that we are putting in place are temporary. But they will last longer than any of us want. This is the time to unite as a community, to come to each others’ aid and dig really deep.”