US capital issues 'stay-at-home' order due to COVID-19

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, March 31, 2020
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Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday issued an order directing residents in the U.S. capital to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak unless there is an essential reason for going out.

"Today, due to an increasing number of coronavirus cases in DC and across the region and the nation, I've issued a stay-at-home order for the District of Columbia," Bowser said in a statement. "This order reinforces my direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities."

Essential activities still allowed away from home include obtaining "food and essential household goods," getting medical care, performing or accessing government services or engaging in essential business or travel, the mayor said.

It is a crime to disobey the order, and people who violate it could face up to 5,000 U.S. dollars in fines, imprisonment for no more than 90 days, or both.

"Our message remains the same: stay home," Bowser said. "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 District had earlier ordered all nonessential businesses to shutter, and the latest order came as similar measures were taken on the same day by the states of Maryland and Virginia.

As of Monday, the District's total confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 401, with nine deaths. 

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