Following the closure of all Virginia public schools ordered by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Northam issued a “Stay-at-Home Order” on Monday to prevent the spread of “COVID-19.” 

While the amount of confirmed cases has risen to 1,251 statewide, it is advised that all Virginians follow the limitations of this order to put a stop to the pandemic. 

The order states that all individuals can leave their residences for the purpose of:             

A.) Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in Executive Order 53;                

B.) Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services;                                                                                     

C.) Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member; 

D.) Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care; 

E.) Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements;                                                                                                                 

F.) Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, or work; 

G.) Traveling to and from an educational institution; 

H.) Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services; and 

I.) Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency.

The order also prohibits all public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 individuals, but not applying:                                                                                                                                                        

A.) To the operation of businesses not required to close to the public under Executive Order 53; or

B.) To the gathering of family members living in the same residence.

Persons who violate these policies may be fined up to $2,500 and serve up to a year in jail time. The order has been placed into effect immediately, it will prolong to June 10 unless cancelled on early notice.

“I want to be clear: do not go out unless you need to go out. This is very different than wanting to go out,” the Governor said.