The entire Washington area is nearing a shutdown, with both Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announcing mandatory stay-at-home orders in light of the coronavirus crisis. As the nation tries to flatten the curve before our medical facilities face fatal overcapacity, it makes perfect sense that state health departments would use their authority to authorize specific and limited shutdowns of businesses and congregations. But Virginia has exemplified how to take it too far.

Like other governors, Northam has far surpassed the mandate that states forcibly shut down businesses. Prior to Monday’s announcement, Virginia’s state parks were already severely restricted, one of the remaining open spaces for the state’s residents to get exercise and fresh air. Now, Northam has not only issued a stay-at-home order punishable by law but also extended it until June 10, about a month and a half longer the Trump administration has extended national social distancing guidelines.