Some businesses consider themselves more essential than government officials do. Most notably, Tesla kept operating its Fremont assembly plant until the local sheriff ordered the electric vehicle maker to shut down.
“Our goal is simple, we want to bend the curve, and disrupt the spread of the virus,” says Newsom’s executive order.
Californians are permitted to leave their homes to obtain health care, as well as food and other essential supplies; walk their dogs; and care for family and friends. But otherwise they are supposed to stay inside. The order is legally enforceable, and violations can result in a misdemeanor with up to six months imprisonment or $1,000, Newsom said in a press conference. He added that he hopes social pressures will be enough to make residents think twice before gathering during a pandemic.
Colorado
A shelter in place order issued by authorities in Colorado’s San Miguel County took effect March 18 and will last until at least April 3. The area contains five towns, including Telluride. “If we invest in the short-term inconveniences of isolation and sheltering in place now, we will save lives,” Grace Franklin, director of the county’s Department of Public Health and Environment, said in a statement.
The order contains many of the same provisions as California’s. All events and gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, and bars, taverns, and restaurants are closed. Food establishments are permitted to provide takeout and delivery services so long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines. Only businesses deemed essential by the local government will be permitted to keep their physical facilities open. The label includes health care facilities, hardware stores, stores related to food production or sales, media companies, gas stations, auto shops, banks, internet providers, educational institutions, laundromats, airlines and other transportation providers, and shelters.
All nonresidents and other visitors to San Miguel County were ordered to leave the area and return to their homes, and all hotels, motels, and short-term rentals had to cease operations. The order notes that non resident homeowners (i.e., people who have a vacation home in the area but live elsewhere) are ostensibly permitted to stay, but it strongly encouraged them to leave or not travel to San Miguel County.
Georgia
Commissioners in Athens-Clarke County, home to the University of Georgia, issued a shelter in place order on March 19. The order is effective until April 7 but could be extended. The order is nearly identical to the one in place in San Miguel County. Travel on foot, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit unrelated to an essential business activity or need is also prohibited.
Idaho
On March 17, local officials in Blaine County issued a shelter in place order for all residents following a spike in cases in the area. The order will remain in effect for residents until April 6, unless it is dismissed or extended.
Blaine County residents are ordered to stay home “unless they need to perform essential activities or go to work to provide essential business and government services.” The county says that individuals may go to grocery stores and gas stations, pick up food to go from restaurants, and recreate outside so long as they follow social distancing. It also orders all business activities to be conducted from home and virtually as much as possible.
Illinois
Governor J. B. Pritzker ordered all Illinois residents to shelter in place beginning March 21 at 5 pm. Under the order, which will be in effect until at least April 7, residents can only leave their homes to go to grocery stores, pharmacies, or gas stations, and to take walks outside, so long as they follow social distance measures.