Gov. Northam issues stay-at-home order

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a statewide Stay at Home order March 30 to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan had earlier issued a similar order.

Northam’s Executive Order 55 directs people to stay home except for extremely limited circumstances. It takes effect immediately and will remain in place until June 10, unless amended or rescinded by another executive order.

The directive says people may only leave their homes to seek medical attention; work; care for family or household members; obtain goods and services, such as groceries, prescriptions, volunteer with charitable organizations; take care of animals; and engage in outdoor activity with strict social distancing requirements.

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The executive order also directs all Virginia institutions of higher education to stop in-person classes and instruction. Private campgrounds must close for short-term stays, and beaches will be closed statewide except for fishing and exercise.

“We are in a public health crisis, and we need everyone to take this seriously and act responsibly,” Northam said. “Our message to Virginians is clear: stay home. We know this virus spreads primarily through human-to-human contact, and that’s why it’s so important that people follow this order and practice social distancing. I’m deeply grateful to everyone for their cooperation during this unprecedented and difficult time.”

Related story: Life in the time of coronavirus

Last week, Northam issued Executive Order 53, which directed certain non-essential businesses to close, prohibited public gatherings of more than 10 people, and directed all K-12 schools to remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

There are now 225 positive COVID-19 cases, including 37 news ones, and two deaths in the Fairfax Health District, as of March 30. There are 1,020 cases in Virginia and 25 deaths.