Monterey County Health Director Edward Moreno has issued a new stay at home order for Monterey County that will go into effective on Sunday, December 13 at 10pm and extend until January 11 at 6am. (This order may be extended depending on ICU availability.)

As of Sunday at 10pm, restaurants and food service establishments will be restricted to pick-up and delivery service only (no outdoor dining); retail shops will operate at no more than 20% capacity; and barbershops, hair salons, and personal services will close (this includes nail and skin care studios and tattoo parlors). Outdoor exercise classes can continue to operate and essential businesses will remain open. Please note that the 10pm curfew also remains in effect.

Currently, Covid-!9 cases are surging in our area following the Thanksgiving holiday. Capacity at CHOMP and regional hospitals has been dangerously reduced here in Monterey and throughout California. Protecting hospital capacity saves lives from an entire range of preventable deaths, not just from Covid-19.

Old Monterey encourages all residents to continue to support small, locally owned businesses during this difficult time. Please use our Dining Guide to see which restaurants and cafes are open for take-out and delivery; shop safely at home using our Gift Ideas Gallery and Shelter-in-Place Mall; and purchase gift cards to support your favorite Old Monterey business owners.

We all know that the next few months will be extremely difficult as we face this surge in Covid-19 cases and we await the coronavirus vaccines. Please remain alert and keep doing the important job of wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, frequently washing your hands, and practicing social distancing. Staying healthy and beating back the coronavirus will save lives, protect our dedicated healthcare workers, and save jobs and businesses. Please do your part.