In San Francisco, there is no need for administrative authorization to exit. The city is confined but the bureaucracy, unthinkable, even less the use of the police. Since Mayor London Breed ordered people to stay at home on Monday, March 16, the center is largely empty, delivered to the Pacific wind, delivery vehicles, and a dog here and there that nothing prevents no longer circulate in the middle of Market Street. The ferry stopped crossing the bay, the cable car to climb Russian Hill. BART, a sort of local RER, has lost 80% of its passengers. Sorting tents are seen in front of hospital emergency rooms.
But in a region where well-being is a cult, no one can prevent the locals from taking to the fresh air. Since Monday, the San Franciscans have retreated to the beaches, the coastal paths, the banks. And of course: surfing. On Ocean Beach, a high place for waves in the city, the crowds come every weekend. According to the decree of the town hall, outings in the open air are permitted, provided that walkers, joggers, hikers maintain a distance of 6 feet (1.80 m). " Green spaces are not an option, said park chief Phil Ginsburg. They are essential to our mental and physical health. It’s even more true now that we’re all stressed and worried. "
Under the Shelter in place decree, stores and non-essential services had to close. After debate, the city decided that cannabis was one of the essentials and the pot shops remain open. But the reluctance to all authority Elon Musk had to comply with the pressure. Tesla CEO announced on Thursday the temporary closure of its Fremont auto plant, 100 km from San Francisco, home to 10,000 workers from across the region.
There was no question of mobilizing the police to track down the joggers who were neck and neck in Embarcadero, along East Bay. The mayor reminded the young people of their responsibilities, hoping to be listened to. On news websites, questions abound: "Can I take my bike out? "," Can I go camping? " Answer: the campsites are closed, as are the visitor offices in the national parks. But nothing prevents you from going for a long hike on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge as long as you keep your distance …
