- Washington state residents must remain home effective immediately, according to an order from Gov. Jay, which is Inslee intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
- Businesses deemed non-essential must close within 48 hours unless employees can work remotely.
- The order permits residents to leave for activities such as grocery shopping or medical appointments.
- The order notably comes later than similar orders in New York and California, despite Washington being an early epicenter of the outbreak.
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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday ordered residents in the state to remain home for at least two weeks due to the coronavirus crisis, effective immediately.
The order requires all businesses deemed non-essential to close within 48 hours unless employees can work remotely. Essential businesses include grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. Restaurants – which Inslee earlier this month ordered to close dining rooms – can continue offering take-out and delivery service.
Residents can leave for "essential activities" such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor, and they are permitted to go outside, but they must remain at least six feet away from others at all times.
Inslee's order notably comes later than similar orders in New York and California, despite Washington being an early epicenter of the outbreak.
Washington had 2,221 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 110 related deaths as of Monday afternoon.
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