Gov. DeSantis statewide stay-at-home order set to take effect Friday in effort to help curb spread of COVID-19

ORLANDO, Fla. — A statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to take effect Friday morning at 12:01 a.m.

Local officials in Orange and Osceola counties issued stay-at-home orders last week.

Gov. DeSantis’ order stated that “all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities” and “senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition should stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

Read: Gov. DeSantis issues stay-at-home order in Florida beginning Friday

The order allows essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants for to-go orders and doctors offices to remain open but closes nonessential businesses like beauty salons, retail stores, gyms and event centers.

Video: Gov. DeSantis issues stay-at-home order in Florida beginning Friday A statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to take effect Friday morning at 12:01 a.m.

“I signed an executive order directing all Floridians to limit movements and personal interactions outside the home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities,” DeSantis said Wednesday.

The order also limits gathering in public spaces. Groups of people greater than 10 are not permitted to congregate in any public space.

Read: Questions remain over Florida unemployment checks: When will they come? How much will they be?

According to the order, “essential activities” include:

• Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship.
• Participating in recreational activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming.
• Taking care of pets.

The order is currently set to run through April 30.

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