Superintendent Don Austin announced Palo Alto Unified School District has reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 regarding a student from Fletcher Middle School on Tuesday morning. County health officials stated that it is expected for the virus to spread during this period of time across Santa Clara County. Although all members of the community are susceptible to the virus, the quarantine is especially vital for vulnerable populations, which include the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, according to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. According to the Public Health department, the Shelter-in-place order shall become effective on March 17, 2020, and will continue through April 7, 2020, or until it is “extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer.” As announced by the Health Officer of Santa Clara, all members of the community must not leave their homes unless they are performing essential duties for government function or business continuity, obtaining food, getting necessary health care or caring for a friend or relative, in order to manage a healthy lifestyle at this time. Failure to comply with this order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. The order (California Health and Safety Code § 120295, et seq.) is effective through April 7.