Encinitas CA— The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department conducted targeted social distancing enforcement on Friday, April 3, 2020, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and midnight. This operation took place within the North Coastal Command area, which encompasses the contract cities of Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar, as well as the surrounding unincorporated areas. During this operation, deputies issued 22 citations for violating California Government Code Section 8665 for violating the provisions of the current health orders.
Specific locations, based on recent calls for service regarding public gatherings, were targeted, as well as other observable violations of Executive Order N-33-20 as signed by Governor Newsom, the Public Health Officer’s Order and its addenda, or both.
While we thank the public as a whole for their continued cooperation, there are some who choose to intentionally ignore the orders and congregate in groups of ten or more in parks, parking lots, beaches, locations deemed non-essential, or other public spaces. As Sheriff Gore explained, not following these orders puts everyone’s lives at risk.
Violations of the applicable sections related to the orders are misdemeanors and punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not to exceed six months or both.
The orders, which require extreme social distancing, are critical in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and reducing the amount of time these orders are in place. We would also like to remind everyone you are required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, exercise, get necessary health care or go to an essential job. If you must go out, keep a distance of at least six feet between you and others and follow all applicable regulations imposed by the health officer. Please stay home so we can all stay healthy.