Washington, D.C., issued at a stay-at-home order that would punish violators with up to 90 days in prison and a $5,000 fine.
“Our message remains the same: stay home,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in a statement on Monday. “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.”
The order establishes that essential activities consist of, but are not limited to, obtaining medical care, performing essential government actions, working in essential businesses, permitted recreational activities, and grocery shopping.
“Any individual who willfully violates the stay-at-home order may be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both,” the statement said.
D.C. stay at home order is now official. The news was first on the Washington Post https://t.co/twl9dfm6vT pic.twitter.com/F5FMKtmBhv
— Fenit Nirappil (@FenitN) March 30, 2020
Bowser also said the city would need to practice strict enforcement to have an impact on public adherence to the rule.
“We have to enforce orders or they are worthless,” she reportedly told lawmakers on a phone call.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam also issued an aggressive stay-at-home order on Monday until June 10, but it will not be criminally enforced.
“I want to be clear. Do not go out unless you need to go out. This is very different from wanting to go out. Don’t go to the store just for one thing. Wait until you have a whole list of needs,” Northam said in an announcement.