San Francisco ordered to shelter in place due to coronavirus

FILE - San Francisco mayor London Breed speaks during a press conference at Hamilton Families on Nov. 21, 2019 in San Francisco. Breed and members of the city's Board of Supervisors announced Monday a new plan to continue classes for the Older Adults program at City College of San Francisco, which were at risk of being cut as the school faces funding deficits. less FILE - San Francisco mayor London Breed speaks during a press conference at Hamilton Families on Nov. 21, 2019 in San Francisco. Breed and members of the city's Board of Supervisors announced Monday a new plan ... more Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Image 1 of / 57 Caption Close San Francisco ordered to shelter in place due to coronavirus 1 / 57 Back to Gallery

San Francisco Mayor London Breed is telling city residents to stay in their homes as a shelter-in-place order is issued.

"Effective at midnight, San Francisco will require people to stay home except for essential needs," Breed tweeted at noon Monday. "Necessary government functions & essential stores will remain open."

Individuals are asked to avoid all gatherings except for medical purposes, to get food, or for work reasons.

"These steps are based on the advice of public health experts to slow the spread of #COVID19," Breed said. "The most important thing you can do is remain home as much as possible. There is no need to rush out for food or supplies, as these stores will remain open."

Breed is scheduled to address the restrictions and specifics at a press conference at 1 p.m.

Effective at midnight, San Francisco will require people to stay home except for essential needs.



Necessary government functions & essential stores will remain open.



These steps are based on the advice of public health experts to slow the spread of #COVID19. — London Breed (@LondonBreed) March 16, 2020

San Mateo Mayor Joe Goethals told the Los Angeles Times he expects shelter in place orders will be implemented by almost all Bay Area counties.

There are 40 patients infected with COVID-19 in the city, according to the San Francisco Public Health Department. All public schools are closed for the next three weeks, beginning today, March 16.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.