But unlike in L.A., residents of the affected counties will also be mostly barred from leaving home except for “essential” activities and travel.

What does that all mean? Here’s what you need to know:

How many people are affected?

The counties that ordered residents to shelter in place have a combined population of roughly 7 million. For comparison, Los Angeles County has about 10 million residents, as we mentioned above, and Orange County’s population is about 3 million.

But the Bay Area counties have been among the hardest hit by the virus, with more than 273 confirmed cases and four deaths attributed to the virus.

And how long will this last?

The order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. It’s set to last until April 7, but officials could extend or shorten that time.

I get that I’m supposed to stay home and most businesses are supposed to close but can I still …

Go to work? Not unless you work for what’s considered an essential business or service provider. (More on that below.) You’re also not supposed to travel — including “on foot, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, automobile or public transit” — unless it’s to do one of those essential things. Of course, if you’re already working from home, then that’ll probably continue.

Go outside? Yes, but only if you can stay at least six feet away from any people you don’t live with. That applies to shared outdoor space, say, at your apartment complex, and parks.

Go to restaurants? No, except for takeout. Restaurants are considered essential businesses and officials are encouraging them to stay open, but only for pick up or delivery. If you can, call your favorite local restaurant to see what steps they’re taking. (Here in L.A., there are restaurants offering pickup specials or adding extra provisions to their menus.) Schools that feed students are also supposed to send the food home with them.

Hang out with friends at their houses or at my house? Alas, not really. The order says that, “all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited,” and that any time you leave your house, even for essential reasons, you should be able to stay at least six feet away from others.

Are there exceptions to all this?