Virginia governor latest to issue stay-at-home order
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday issued a statewide stay-at-home order along with a lecture for those who packed the state's beaches last weekend or otherwise ignored calls to avoid mass gatherings.
“You are being very, very selfish because you are putting all of us, especially our healthcare providers, at risk,” Northam, who is also a doctor, said at a news conference. “To date, this has been a suggestion to Virginians. Today, it's an order.”
Northam's executive order tells the state's approximately 8.5 million people they must stay home except for limited circumstances, such as traveling to or from work, seeking medical attention, obtaining goods and services, including food, or engaging in outdoor activity. The order also adds restrictions to the state's public beaches, closing them to sunbathing but permitting exercising and fishing.
The order lasts until June 10, but the governor could rescind it before then.
“Do not go out unless you need to go out. This is very different from wanting to go out,” he said.
Those who violate the executive order could be subject to misdemeanor criminal penalties, but the governor said he's expecting people to comply voluntarily.
“This is not a time ... when we're looking to put people in jail,” Northam said.
Northam's move is in line with steps taken by governors in neighboring Maryland and North Carolina.
Northam's order also directs universities to stop any in-person classes and instruction, a move likely directed at Liberty University. The governor has criticized Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr. for welcoming students back to the Lynchburg campus.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Virginia surpassed 1,000 on Monday, with more than two dozen deaths from the illness,...