Health & Fitness

Coronavirus: DC Mayor Orders District Residents To Stay Home

District residents face up to a $5,000 fine and 90 days in jail if they violate D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's stay-at-home order.

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Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order Monday for residents of the District of Columbia.
Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order Monday for residents of the District of Columbia. (AP)

WASHINGTON, DC — District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for all residents as the latest step to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

“Our message remains the same: stay home,” Bowser said in a statement. “Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family and our entire community from COVID-19. Many people want to know how they can help right now; and for most people, this is how — by staying home.”

The stay-at-home order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

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Bowser's order came after both Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued similar decrees earlier in the day.

According to Bowser's order, members of the public may leave their residences to:

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  • Engage in essential activities, including obtaining medical care that cannot be provided through telehealth and obtaining food and essential household goods.
  • Perform or access essential governmental functions.
  • Work at essential businesses.
  • Engage in essential travel.
  • Engage in allowable recreational activities, as defined by the mayor’s order.

People who violate Bowser's stay-at-home order may be guilty of a misdemeanor and, if convicted, may be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to 90 days, or both.

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Earlier in the day, Bowser announced the D.C. Department of Health was opening a COVID-19 testing facility for public safety personnel and another later this week for district residents at the United Medical Center. This came after D.C. Health confirmed four additional deaths due to COVID-19, which brings the total to nine deaths caused by the virus.

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