Though the latest Bay Area stay-at-home orders now extend through May, the restrictions are somewhat more relaxed — something that should make daily life a tad easier.
Here’s what you can and cannot do.
Can my gardener take care of my lawn?
Yes. Under the new extended order, outdoor businesses — including nurseries, landscaping and gardening work — may reopen, provided that social distancing protocols are observed.
Can I take my dog to the dog park?
No. Dog parks will remain closed because they “encourage people to gather together,” according to the order.
Can I take my children to the playground again?
No. Recreational areas with equipment that lots of people touch or areas where people tend to gather, including playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and picnic areas, will remain off-limits.
You may, however, take your family to an open space at a park and play sports or other activities if you maintain six feet between members of your household and others.
Can I travel to go hiking or engage in other outdoor activities?
Yes, as long as you still practice proper social distancing.
San Mateo County is the only county in the Bay Area that is limiting how far people can travel to engage in outdoor activities and exercise. Its order states that county residents should not travel more than 10 miles from their residence for the purpose of recreation — and that people who live outside the county should not travel more than 10 miles for recreation within San Mateo County.
Can I play tennis?
If you live in Alameda or Contra Costa counties, you will be permitted to play tennis and use other recreational fields, such as skate parks.
Alameda County’s website states that “outdoor recreation facilities that are not expressly prohibited by the Order, such as golf courses, skate parks, and athletic fields, are permitted to open only if they comply with any restrictions on access.”
But residents of San Francisco, San Mateo County and Santa Clara County will not, according to their websites.
Can I play golf?
After more than a month of warm weather but shuttered golf courses, you may see some Bay Area courses begin to reopen next week.
The Bay Area’s new order permits golf courses to reopen as they abide by social distancing requirements. And on Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued new guidance on the state’s stay-at-home order related to outdoor activities. According to the new guidelines, singles golfing with no carts is permitted under the state order.
Can I take my kids to a childcare facility or summer camp?
Bay Area childcare facilities, summer camps, and schools or recreational institutions can continue to provide childcare or supervision for parents working in essential or outdoor businesses that are allowed to operate under the order. The facilities are not permitted to care for children of non-essential workers, such as employees working from home.
But that kind of care must be carried out in groups of 12 or fewer children. If more than one group of children is cared for at the same facility, each group must remain in separate rooms, cannot change groups and the supervisor must remain with the same group every day.
Can I have a playdate with my children and others?
No. Group gatherings of adults or children from different households are still not permitted.
The only time a gathering of children is allowed is if a parent works at an essential business or outdoor business that has been recently reopened and they place their children in a program at an established childcare facility, summer camp or school or recreational institution.
Can I hire a babysitter?
Anyone in the Bay Area is allowed to hire a nanny or babysitter to provide home-based care for your kids.
Can I get my car washed?
Yes. Along with other outdoor businesses such as nurseries and landscapers, car washes are permitted to reopen.
Can I finish construction on my house?
As long as job sites comply with newly established safety standards, all types of construction — from single-family residences to skyscraper office buildings — are allowed to resume. To read the safety standards for small projects, click here. For large projects, click here.
