Updated at 2:15 p.m.
After weeks of criticism from both lawmakers and the public, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he will finally issue a statewide stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, DeSantis said the issue will go into effect Thursday night, April 2, at midnight. The order instructs people to stay home except for those working at essential business. The order will last for 30 days.
"Given the unique situation in Florida," said DeSantis, "I'm going to be doing an executive order today directing all Floridians to limit movements and personal interactions outside the home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities, and we have the list of essential services that is detailed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its latest guidance."
The governor said he will define exactly what businesses are deemed "essential" later today when the official executive order is released.
“It makes sense to make this move now,” added DeSantis, who added that he had spoken to the White House about the decision. "We're in a much better spot today, than we were just a week ago. So what it says is it's really in order to individuals, to limit their travel and stay close to home."
Today's announcement comes just hours after U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams said in a TV interview that national guidelines suggest there should be a “stay-at-home order” for the whole country. Though, DeSantis stated in today's press conference that Adams' comments did not influence his decision.We welcome readers to submit letters regarding articles and content in Orlando Weekly. Letters should be a minimum of 150 words, refer to content that has appeared on Orlando Weekly, and must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. No attachments will be considered. Writers of letters selected for publication will be notified via email. Letters may be edited and shortened for space.
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