Orange County Mayor Issues "Stay At Home" Order to Respond to COVID-19 Outbreak

Just a few minutes ago, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings (along with public health officials) hosted a news conference to discuss COVID-19 and County updates. as part of the news conference, the Mayor issued a "Stay At Home" order that will go into effect on March 26 at 11:00 p.m. for two weeks.

Here are some highlights from the executive order:

Section 1. Non-Essential Travel and Safety Measures.

In the interest of preserving the public health and safety, individuals are ordered not to leave the premises of their primary residence or domicile except to conduct certain necessary activities, while practicing social distancing where practical, which include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Basic Needs. Visiting a health or veterinary care professional, obtaining medical supplies or medication, obtaining financial or legal services, obtaining food, grocery items or other household consumer products and products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences or buildings (whether commercial, office or industrial), for personal use or for use by others, including, without limitation, services related to providing food, groceries, household products, health services, shelter, care or assistance to minors, the elderly, dependents, persons with disabilities, other persons needing assistance, friends, family members, pets or animals; attendance at public meetings or other government purposes; and for other like or similar purposes related to any of the foregoing.

(b) Physical Activity and Exercise. Engaging in outdoor activities and recreation, including, without limitation, golfing, walking, hiking, running, cycling, using scooters, roller skates, skateboards, or other personal mobility devices.

(c) Travel related to Basic Needs and Physical Activity. Travel to and from an individual's principal residence or doniicile related to any of the basic needs described in Section l(a) above, or physical activity and exercise described in Section l(b) above.

(d) Travel related to the Provision or Receipt of Essential Services. Travel necessary for the provision or receipt of essential services described in Section 2, including employees, volunteers, and service recipients of these services.

(e) Other Travel. Travel to and from transportation facilities or hubs, airports, bus and train stations, and travel to return home from outside jurisdictions.

Section 2. Non-Essential Businesses and Essential Businesses.

(a) All non-essential retail and commercial businesses are hereby ordered temporarily closed, including but not limited to, whether indoors or outdoors, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, water parks, pools, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children's play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, bowling alleys, pool halls, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, country clubs, social clubs and fraternal organizations.

(b) The following retail and commercial businesses are deemed essential, and
may remain open:

1. Healthcare providers, including, but not limited to, hospitals, doctors' and dentists' offices, urgent care centers, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physical therapists, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, therapists, pharmacies, veterinarians and animal care providers;
2. Grocery stores, farmers' markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This authorization includes stores that sell groceries and other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operations of residences;
3. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
4. Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals. Hotels, motels and other housing providers;
5. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
6. Gas stations;
7. Auto-supply, auto-repair, related facilities, and towing companies;
8. Banks and related financial institutions;
9. Hardware and home improvement stores;
10. Licensed contractors and other tradesmen, appliance repair personnel, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other structures;
11. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
12. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers;
13. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but subject to the limitations and requirements under Federal, State or Local Emergency Orders. Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site;
14. Businesses that supply office products needed for people to work from home;
15. Businesses that sell medical equipment and supply providers. Also, businesses that supply other essential businesses with support and supplies necessary to operate, and which do not interact with general public;
16. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, or services directly to residences;
17. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services via automobile, truck, bus, or train;
18. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
19. Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and adult day care centers, and senior residential facilities;
20. Legal or accounting services and notaries public;
21. Landscape and pool care businesses, including residential landscape and pool care ser/ices, and maintenance of property, equipment and grounds of businesses, whether or not currently open to the public;
22. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Emergency Executive Order to work, as permitted.
23. Businesses operating at an aiqiort, government facility, or government office;
24. Pet supply stores;
25. Logistics providers, including warehouses, trucking, consolidators, fumigators, and handlers;
26. Telecommunications providers, including sales of computer or telecommunications devices and the provision of home telecommimications, to include private security businesses;
27. Providers of propane or natural gas;
28. Constmction sites, irrespective of the type of building;
29. Architectural, engineering, and land surveying services;
30. Factories, manufacturing facilities, bottling plants, or other industrial uses;
31. Waste management services, including collection and disposal of waste; and
32. Businesses interacting with customers solely through electronic or telephonic means;
33. Businesses delivering products via mailing, shipping, or delivery services;
34. Office space and administrative support necessary to perform any of the above listed essential retail or commercial business activities; and
35. In addition to essential businesses listed above, any individuals that are employed in or working to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure.

(c) This Order does not affect or limit the operations of Orange County, any municipality, the Orange County School District, any educational institution, whether public or private, or Federal office or facility, or any public utility, except that such entities shall endeavor to abide by the prohibitions or restrictions of any County, municipal. State or Federal Emergency Order, as applicable.

(d) This Order does not limit the number of persons who may be physically present performing services at any location where an essential business is being conducted or operated, except as expressly set forth herein or otherwise governed by a State or Federal Order or regulation. Employers and employees of such essential businesses are urged to practice social distancing, such as keeping at least six (6) feet apart and limiting group size to less than ten (10) people.

(e) This Order does not limit religious or funeral services at any location, but all persons leading, performing or attending religious or funeral services are urged to fully comply with all measures advised by the CDC, including limiting gatherings to not more than ten (10) people and practicing social distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons.

Section 7. Effective Date; Expiration Date.

(a) This Emergency Executive Order shall become effective on March 26, 2020, at 11:00 p.m.
(b) This Emergency Executive Order shall expire on April 9, 2020, at 11:00 p.m.

Since quite a few of the employees working at the area's theme parks and attractions live in this county, it's likely that many companies will soon issue updates confirming a lengthier closure.

Looking to plan and book an Orlando-area vacation? Contact Destinations with Character Travel Services, LLC., specialists in all things Orlando, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld! Destinations with Characters is a Disney EarMarked agency and the official travel agency of Orlando Theme Park News!

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