Governor’s stay-at-home order begins Friday

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday issued a statewide stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The order begins at 12:01am Friday and lasts for 30 days.

The state of Florida released a document of the executive order defining a list of essential activities Floridians can still do. They include:

*Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship.

*Participating in recreational activities consistent with social distancing guidelines such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running and swimming.

*Taking care of pets.

*Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.

The document says that “a social gathering in a public space is not an essential activity.” It also states that “senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

Nikki Fried, Florida’s agriculture commissioner, praised the governor’s decision in a news release issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

“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.”