Coronavirus: Merced County sheriff may cite those who violate shelter-in order

In an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Merced County Sheriff’s Office says it will be enforcing the Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order — and those who refuse to stop congregating in large groups may receive a citation.

The Sheriff’s Office may also step in if non-essential businesses are found to be operating, according to Public Information Officer Deputy Daryl Allen.

Although the Sheriff’s Office did not mention specific non-essential businesses that are continuing to operate, Allen said business owners in violation could face a citation, and the state could possibly take away their business license.

On Monday, Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke held a press conference outside the Courthouse Museum, emphasizing the need for the public to take the shelter-in order seriously.

Warnke was accompanied by Merced Interim Police Chief Tom Cavallero, along with other law enforcement leaders and county department heads.

The leaders stood with spaces of several feet between them, in the interest of social distancing.

“We really want this pandemic to end as soon as possible,” said Warnke, adding that in order for that to happen, people will need to practice social distancing and non-essential businesses will have to close.

“I’ve got deputies out right now and we’re going to be taking care of that on an as-needed basis. So please, if you do your job for this pandemic we won’t have to do our job to enforce this,” Warnke said.

Warnke said it’s going to take the community working together in order for the pandemic to be properly addressed. He instructed residents to stay home and only leave the house when necessary. He also emphasized the importance of not congregating.

“Let’s let this county be the lead county in this to show that we can actually get this thing taken care of, said Warnke.

“We’ve got to enforce that because the two ways that this is spreading is through social contact and not washing your hands after you’ve touched something, it’s very important,” Warnke said.

The Sheriff concluded his remarks by asking the public to please do their job so that he and fellow law enforcement don’t have to do theirs.

This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 5:36 PM.