Governor Newsom wants to keep his most at-risk citizens safe from COVID-19.

As the United States gradually hunkers down to ride out the the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those who are most at risk are still walking the streets for one reason or another. As has been stated by the CDC, the two groups most vulnerable to debilitating infection by the coronavirus are senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions, especially those that compromise the immune system.

Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly urged California’s 5.3 million senior citizen population to remain in their homes for the foreseeable future. “We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians is anxiety-inducing,” he said. “We need to meet this moment head on, and lean in and own this moment … and take actions we think are commensurate with the need to protect the most vulnerable Californians.”

The call was not an official edict by the office of the Governor, merely an urging out of Newsom’s own concern. He did add, however, that if that urging is not heeded, official measures will need to be taken. “I am confident these guidelines will be well received and will be appropriately enforced. If it is not being (done), we will do what we need to do,” he explained.

The CDC has echoed these sentiments, stressing that the virus needs to be kept away from vulnerable areas and institutions like nursing homes. In a separate statement from Newsom, they urged seniors to “stay home as much as possible and consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.”