Police Enforcement FAQs
The City of Palo Alto answers the most frequently asked police enforcement questions related to COVID-19.
Is there a curfew?
The Health Order issued does not include a curfew.
I’m trapped in an abusive living situation. What can I do?
With community members being asked to stay home, the potential for any range of family disturbances could be on the rise. This could include domestic violence, child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, or other disturbances that present a danger to those in the home. The Palo Alto Police Department stands ready to assist and respond to any call for help. For emergencies, call 9–1–1; for non-emergencies, call our 24-hour dispatch center at 650–329–2413. People in need of assistance can alternately send a text message to 9–1–1 for immediate help. There are also a wide array of free support resources available to those in need; the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office publishes a list of resources.
I’m concerned about the possibility of a rise in child abuse as a result of the shelter in place. What can I do?
With community members being asked to stay at home and shelter in place to save lives, an unintended byproduct of these orders may be an increased risk for any range of family disturbances, including child abuse. Fortunately, we have not seen a noticeable rise in the number of child abuse cases here in Palo Alto since the shelter in place began on March 17. For free resources to help children and their caregivers, see this list of resources published by the Santa Clara County Child Abuse Prevention Council. For assistance with other types of abusive domestic situations (domestic violence, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, etc.), see this list of resources published by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. The Palo Alto Police Department stands ready to assist and respond to any call for help. For emergencies, call 9–1–1; for non-emergencies, call our 24-hour dispatch center at 650–329–2413. People in need of assistance can alternately send a text message to 9–1–1 for immediate help.
How can I avoid becoming a victim to fraud and scams related to COVID-19?
The public health emergency provides criminals with plenty of new ways to steal your personal information and commit other acts of fraud such as selling fake vaccines or home test kits, posing as a relative in need of money for virus-related medical expenses, phishing e-mails and telemarketing calls, fake charities soliciting donations, and more. Fortunately, here in Palo Alto, we have not experienced this yet.
Take steps now to educate yourself about these scams. The Federal Trade Commission has a list of tips on their website to help you avoid becoming a victim. As always, do not give out personal identifying information over the phone or online in response to an out-of-the-blue solicitation, hang up on robocalls, and do not click on links in e-mails or text messages that you did not expect to receive. If you live in Palo Alto and have fallen victim to a scam, please call the Palo Alto Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329–2413 for assistance.
What are the limitations on church/faith based activities?
The Order strongly discourages gatherings, especially indoor gatherings, because convening with other households for long periods poses a particularly high risk of COVID-19 transmission. The Order does, however, allow both outdoor gatherings (up to 200 people) and indoor gatherings (up to 25% of capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer). The rules for gatherings are in the Health Officer’s revised Mandatory Directive for Gatherings.
If someone is diagnosed as infected with COVID-19, are there legal mandates for quarantine/self-isolate?
The Santa Clara County Health Order applies to everyone, including those who are diagnosed as being infected with COVID-19. There is a legal mandate to abide by the terms of the health order and self-isolate. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Can home service workers continue to provide their services?
Home service workers may provide services to residences if essential to health, safety, sanitation, or the necessary operation of the residence. Generally, this will mean that plumbing, maintenance (to, for example, fix an interior or exterior water leak), pest control, or similar services necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary household are permissible. Purely cosmetic and other non-essential home services should be deferred to minimize risk of transmission. Home based childcare is also allowed under the Order.
Can landscaping services continue?
Under the new Shelter in Place Order gardening and landscaping services are allowed, where social distancing of at least six feet can be maintained between all people.
Please note that the City of Palo Alto’s ordinance on leaf blowers in residential areas still applies.
Can I leave my home to perform a court-ordered visit with my children, or a court-ordered child custody exchange?
Yes. The health order specifically exempts travel required by law enforcement or court order.
Can I move to a new home or apartment at this time? (Inside or outside the county.)
If possible, any move from one residence to another should be deferred until the Order has been lifted. If it is not possible for you to defer the move or if there is a safety or sanitation issue that requires a move, the Order allows you to move residences. Moving companies may assist a person or family in making a move between residences under these circumstances. If moving to another county, that particular jurisdiction should be consulted to ensure compliance with their local Order. For further information, please contact 2–1–1.
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