DC closes nonessential businesses, joining growing list of states and cities tightening restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak
- More states are ordering residents to stay at home during the coronavirus crisis, as the COVID-19 outbreak worsens in the U.S.
- The virus has now infected more than 46,450 people in the U.S., including at least 593 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
- State officials across the country are closing non-essential businesses, limiting public gatherings and urging people to practice "social distancing" in order to keep the virus from spreading.
More states are ordering residents to stay at home during the coronavirus crisis, as the COVID-19 outbreak worsens in the U.S.
A total of 14 states currently have orders to stay at home, including California, New York, Washington State and Illinois. Three states have advisories or instructions from their governors to remain at home. Four states have either cities or counties with stay-at-home orders.
The virus has now infected more than 46,450 people in the U.S., including at least 593 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. State officials across the country are closing non-essential businesses, limiting public gatherings and urging people to practice "social distancing" in order to keep the virus from spreading.
Governors are considering stay-at-home orders to be essential for saving lives and more states are expected to make announcements regarding new restrictions.
Here are the states that made announcements Tuesday. This list will be updated throughout the day.
Wisconsin issues 'Safer at Home' order
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers directed the state's Department of Health Services on Tuesday to issue a "Safer at Home" order prohibiting nonessential travel. The order is effective 8:00 am on Wednesday and will continue until April 24.
"I know the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult and has disrupted the lives of people across our state," Gov. Evers said in a statement released Tuesday. "Issuing a Safer at Home order isn't something I thought we'd have to do and it's not something I take lightly, but here's the bottom line: folks need to start taking this seriously."
Wisconsin residents will still be allowed to leave their homes to obtain medicine and necessary supplies such as food. They can also leave to help a family member in another household or assist a dependent, a minor, people with disabilities or older adults. Individuals do not need special permission to leave their homes.
Certain businesses are allowed to continue operating, including grocery stores, gas stations and banks, as well as others.
Wisconsin currently has 416 cases of the coronavirus, according to the state's Department of Health Services.
Washington, DC closes nonessential businesses
More businesses in Washington, D.C. are closing to help curb the coronavirus outbreak. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Tuesday that salons, barbershops and other services not related to emergency response will be shut down. The city previously closed schools, museums, libraries, fitness centers and other businesses.
"We have virtually shut down economic activity in our city in an effort to contain the spread of the virus," Bowser said at a press briefing Tuesday.
Though a shelter-in-place order is not in effect, Bowser said she expects residents to "stay at home except for essential trips."
Washington, D.C. has a population of over 705,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city currently has 137 cases of the coronavirus, according to Bowser.