DC issues stay-at-home order amid coronavirus threat
WASHINGTON - In the wake of similar orders in neighboring Maryland and Virginia, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for District residents on Monday afternoon as the region grapples with the coronavirus crisis.
According to a statement from the mayor’s office, the order reinforces her direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities.
The order will remain in place through April 24.
Anyone who convicted of violating the order could be fined up to $5,000, spend 90 days in prison, or both.
The Mayor’s Order specifies that residents may only leave their residences to:
- 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; or
- Engage in allowable recreational activities, as defined by the Mayor’ s Order.
As of Sunday evening, there were 401 confirmed coronavirus cases, and nine people had died as a result of the virus.
The Mayor has already ordered all "non-essential businesses" - including bars and restaurants - to close while the District maintains social distancing guidelines.
D.C. schools are closed through April 24.