Louisiana, Ohio Orders Residents to Stay At Home to Help Stop Spread of Coronavirus

Americans are being advised to take proper precautions in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, including staying at home.

Louisiana and Ohio can now be added to the list of states issuing stay at home orders for their residents.

Ohio Gov. 👤Mike DeWine and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards both tweeted on Sunday announcing the orders.

“Today, I am issuing a statewide Stay at Home order that goes into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, to further fight the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, as the number of confirmed cases is now more than 800,” Edwards tweeted.

DeWine also tweeted an announcement including exceptions for the order.

“We are now at a new stage. just signed a statewide #StayHome order for Ohioans,” DeWine tweeted, adding, “#StayHomeOhio: It does permit exceptions to staying home. Common sense exceptions: leaving for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity (walking your dog, going to a park – although playgrounds are closed).”

Provisions for businesses are also included in a statement released by DeWine.

“All businesses and operations in the State, except Essential Businesses and Operations… are required to cease all activities within the State except Minimum Basic Operations.”

According to a statement released by Edwards, there are also exceptions to Louisiana’s order.

“People can leave their homes to do essential things like buying groceries or food, pick up medicine or go to work only if their job is essential,” the statement reads, adding, “If you have to go out, make sure you practice social distancing measures and keep 6 feet between you and the people around you.”

Louisiana’s order is set to expire by the end of the night on Sunday, April 12, unless it needs to be extended, should the situation worsen.

The announcements come just days after California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a stay at home order for the state, as IJR previously reported.