California’s nightly curfew is going into effect tonight (Saturday).

The newest restrictions require people not on essential errands to stay home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through December 21, with a possible extension if cases continue to rise or if things don’t get better. People will be allowed to shop for groceries, pick up food and even walk their dogs.

Governor Gavin Newsome made the announcement Thursday.

Authorities say the focus is on keeping people from social mixing and drinking — the kinds of activities that are blamed for causing COVID-19 infections to soar after dipping only a few months ago. The curfew is put in place to also help prevent large gatherings from occurring.

Some counties may see more strict lockdowns as early as next week due to the caseloads and hospitalizations.

“We’re seeing cases increased at a faster rate than we saw over the summer,” County public health Director Barbara Ferrer said Friday. “The data looks really bad now and we’ve had … three terrible days in terms of case rates and increases in hospitalizations.” 

California as a whole has seen more than 1 million infections, with a record 13,000 new cases recorded Thursday.  

It’s encouraged that citizens stay home if possible, wear masks if you must go out, and continue to wash your hands.