California’s acting public health officer Dr. Erica Pan on Thursday issued what she called a “limited stay at home order” imposing widespread limitations to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Here are answers to questions likely to arise:

Q: Is this a curfew?

A: It’s a limited curfew restricting the movement of more than 90% of Californians between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. It limits non-essential work, movement, and gatherings with members of other households during those hours.

Q: Where does it apply?

A: To the 41 of the state’s 58 counties in the “purple” tier, including all Bay Area counties except San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin.

Q: When does it start?

A: Saturday at 10 p.m.

Q: When does it end?

A: Dec. 21 at 5 a.m.

Q: What does the order say about what’s prohibited during the hours the curfew is in effect?

A: “All gatherings with members of other households and all activities conducted outside the residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation with members of other households.”

Q: Can people go to the grocery store or medical clinic during curfew hours?

A: Yes. The order permits use of legally designated essential infrastructure including food stores and clinics.

Q: Can people walk their dogs during curfew hours?

A: Yes, if they’re not doing so with members of other households

Q: Can people go out to eat during curfew hours?

A: No. While outdoor dining under specified conditions is allowed in purple-tier areas, it now has to close at 10 p.m. But take-out and delivery will still be legal during curfew hours.

Q: Who’s exempt?

A: People classified under state law as essential workers, such as those employed in grocery stores and health care, who are doing their jobs. Homeless people are also exempt.

Q: Why was it imposed?

A: A surge in coronavirus cases that California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said Thursday had led to a 64% increase in hospitalizations and a 41% jump in intensive-care unit hospitalizations over the past two weeks

Q: What behaviors is it intended to reduce?

A: People getting out and about, and mixing with others not in their households

Q: What are the goals?

A: To stop the surge and reduce transmission, protect those most at risk from the virus, keep the health care system from being overwhelmed, and avert harsher restrictions that would become necessary if the surge continues, according to Ghaly

Q: Who is this curfew designed to protect?

A: Older people, who make up the largest share of virus fatalities, people with chronic health conditions, and Black, Latino and Asian people whose communities have been especially hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic

Q: How will it be enforced?

A: It’s unclear. Ghaly said he hopes counties will enforce the restrictions. San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia said Thursday his officers won’t detain anyone for breaking the curfew.

Q: Could California impose additional limitations if this curfew doesn’t stop the surge?

A: Yes. If that happens, Ghaly said, “we will explore further restrictions.”

Q: Why only a partial shutdown which doesn’t affect the entire state or apply at all hours?

A: Since the pandemic started, health officials have learned more about how the virus spreads, and how transmission can be reduced through wearing masks, keeping people apart, moving activities outside and maximizing air circulation, Ghaly said.

Q: Is this curfew imposed because Thanksgiving is next week?

A: No, according to Ghaly, who said re-opening of the economy, increased travel, professional sports games, Halloween, Veterans Day, protests and widespread “COVID fatigue” have provided opportunities for the virus to spread.