DC issues stay-at-home order amid coronavirus threat

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.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in the District, Maryland and Virginia

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.

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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.

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