Virginia governor issues stay-at-home order


On March 30, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued an executive order closing nonessential businesses and requiring individuals to remain in their homes except for essential activities.

Northam’s order took effect immediately and will remain in place until June 10. It does not impact the state’s schools, which Northam closed for the academic year on March 23.

Twenty-seven states have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders to residents. Six of those orders are set to last until modified or rescinded by the governor, while the other 21 announced end dates.

Although the names of the orders—shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, stay home, stay safe—vary from state to state, they include at least two common elements: the closure of nonessential businesses and requesting all residents to stay home except for essential trips.

Additional Reading:
States with shelter in place and stay at home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020