Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced he will sign an executive order directing residents to "limit movements and personal interactions outside the home" to essential services or activities.
Several counties in the state have issued 'stay at home' or 'safer at home' orders, and this seems to be a similar measure, though DeSantis did not use those words.
→
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: CASES, LOCATONS & LIVE UPDATES
→
CORONAVIRUS CLOSINGS & CANCELLATIONS IN THE SWFL AREA
→ CORONAVIRUS TRACKER
In his Wednesday press conference, the governor also mentioned the importance of pets and that places that sell pet food would be considered essential.
Update on COVID-19 with @GovRonDeSantis. Says will issuing an executive order limiting Floridians to essential services and activities outside the home for at least the next 30 days. Will offer a list of essential services. Starts tomorrow at midnight. pic.twitter.com/SzOUcQYUNc
— Forrest Saunders (@FBSaunders) April 1, 2020
The announcement comes as Florida's total COVID-19 cases are nearly at 7,000, including 87 deaths. The order goes into effect at midnight, and DeSantis says he will provide a list of businesses deemed essential later.
The order will take effect Thursday at midnight. DeSantis is expected to sign an Executive Order officially mandating the statewide "limit movement" order later Wednesday.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who's one of the many who have been pressuring DeSantis to shutdown the state, released a statement following the announcement:
“When I called for this stay-at-home order nearly two weeks ago, there was a reason. It was necessary to flatten the curve and save lives. I said then I would stand with the Governor when he issued the order, and I do so now. Thank you, Governor, for making the right call. Together, we will fight this virus and preserve the state we love.”
