Juan Herrera
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the district on Monday due to an increased number of coronavirus cases in the region.
1/ Today, due to an increasing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in DC and across the region and the nation, I’ve issued a stay-at-home order for the District of Columbia. This order reinforces my direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser #StayHomeDC (@MayorBowser) March 30, 2020
The mayor’s order specifies that residents may only leave their homes to do the following things:
- engage in essential activities, including obtaining medical care that cannot be provided through telehealth and obtaining food and essential household goods
- perform or access essential governmental functions
- work at essential businesses
- engage in essential travel
- engage in allowable recreational activities, as defined by the Mayor’s order.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued similar orders on Monday in their respective states.
Mayor Bowser’s order will go into effect on April 1. Those who knowingly violate the order may be guilty of a misdemeanor and, if convicted, subject to imprisonment, a $5,000 fine or both.
“Our message remains the same: stay home,” Bowser said in a release. “Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family, and our entire community from COVID-19. Many people want to know how they can help right now, and for most people this is how – by staying home.”
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