As part of the state’s response to a surge in COVID-19 cases, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a stay-at-home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for some counties beginning Nov. 21, according to a press release from Newsom’s office.

The stay-at-home order, issued Thursday, bans nonessential work and gatherings in “purple tier” counties, those with the highest positive case and hospitalization rates, a category that includes Alameda County. The order will remain in effect until Dec. 21, the press release states.

“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to stop the surge,” Newsom said in the press release. “It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”

California COVID-19 case rates rose by about 50% in the first week of November, according to the press release, leading Newsom and state public health officials to implement a series of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the stay at home order, as well as stricter mask requirements and a travel advisory regarding nonessential out-of-state travel. 

The current stay-at-home order is the same as the March order, except that it will only be applied between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., the press release states, with the goal of reducing high-risk and nonessential social activities and gatherings.

“We may need to take more stringent actions if we are unable to flatten the curve quickly,” said Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services secretary, in the press release. “Taking these hard, temporary actions now could help prevent future shutdowns.”