Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam today tightened his grip on Virginia residents with a new executive order that limits the free travel of those in the commonwealth as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Northam issued Executive Order 55 at 2 p.m. press conference in Richmond:
The order directs all Virginians to stay home except in extremely limited circumstances. Individuals may leave their residence for allowable travel, including to seek medical attention, work, care for family or household members, obtain goods and services like groceries, prescriptions, and others as outlined in Executive Order Fifty-Three, and engage in outdoor activity with strict social distancing requirements.
Today’s executive order will remain in place until June 10, unless it is rescinded.
Executive Order 53, issued a week ago, limits the number of people who can gather in public places, including bars and restaurants, to 10 people.
The order also directs all colleges and universities in the state to stop teaching in-person classes. Also, private campgrounds must close for short-term stays, and the state’s beaches will be closed, except for fishing and exercise.
Northam scolded those who have continued to gather in large on public beaches despite his previous order limiting the size of public gatherings. “To date, this has been a suggestion. Today, it’s an order,” Northam said.
Violating the governor’s order is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan today issued a similar stay-at-home order to his residents. There, violating his order is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and one year in jail.
Hogan also ordered Marylanders to not travel outside of the state unless “absolutely necessary.” All of those who have should self-quarantine for 14 days, he added.
The coronavirus outbreak continues to grow in the U.S. There are 140,904 cases reported as of today (18,251 more than yesterday) with 2,405 deaths (293 more since yesterday).
