SARASOTA – Governor Ron DeSantis has not instituted a mandatory stay-at-home order throughout the state. However, some cities and counties in the state have in their areas. If Governor DeSantis did institute such a response, what might it look like? We looked at Miami Beach for one example to see what a stay-at-home order in a Florida city looks like.
Stay-at-home doesn’t mean you can’t step foot outside the door. However, the reason you’re leaving your home is restricted. In Miami Beach, you can go out to exercise and can still go to “essential” businesses and government services. What’s considered essential?
Police and fire stations are obvious, as are hospitals. However, people who need prescriptions can still go to the pharmacy, which are allowed to stay open. News outlets are considered essential, as are trades and services such as plumbers and lawyers.
Banks remain open in Miami Beach during the stay-at-home order, as are laundromats and dry cleaners. Grocery stores and restaurants that offer delivery and take-out remain open, though restaurants cannot allow dine-in eating. Schools can remain open as long as they’re utilizing long-distance learning. And to facilitate more people working from home, businesses that supply work-from-home products are considered essential.
Do you use Uber and Lyft? Or the bus? They remain operational, though you still want to keep space between people while on buses and trains. In addition to grocery stores, pet supply stores remain open so you can keep your furry friend well-fed.
Industrial buildings and open construction sites are considered essential during Miami Beach’s stay-at-home order. Waste management also remains operational.
Other areas that have instituted a stay-at-home order in Florida include Hillsborough and Orange Counties. Around the country, states which have issued statewide orders as of the publishing of this article are California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.