BREAKING NEWS: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis orders all Floridians to leave home only for “essential business only.”

“It makes sense to make this move now,” he said. It will go into effect at midnight on Thursday

UPDATE – South Santa Rosa News just received the Governor’s executive order, which is posted below. We’re working to update the story pls refresh the page for changes.

Section 1. Safer At Home

A. Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition

(such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions,

immuno-compromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

B. In concert with the efforts of President Trump and the White House Corona virus

Task Force to fight COVID-19, and based on guidance provided by Florida Surgeon General and State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Rivkees, 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.

Section 2. Essential Services

A. For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential services” means

and encompasses the list detailed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, v. 2 (March 28, 2020) (attached) and any subsequent lists published.

B. Essential services also include those businesses and activities designated by

Executive Order 20-89 and its attachment which consists of a list propounded by Miami-Dade County in multiple orders.

C. Other essential services may be added under this Order with the approval of the

State Coordinating Officer, in close coordination with the State Health Officer. The State Coordinating Officer shall maintain an online list of essential services, as specified in this Order along with any approved additions. The online list shall be available on the Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.floridadisaster.org and the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.floridahealth.gov.

D. Nothing in this order prohibits individuals from working from home; indeed, this

Order encourages individuals to work from home.

E. All businesses or organizations are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out or

curbside service outside of the business or organization, of orders placed online or via telephone, to the greatest extent practicable.

Section 3. Essential Activities

A. For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential activities” means

and encompasses the following:

1. Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses

of worship; and

of worship; and 11. Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing

guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or

swimming; and

guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming; and 111. Taking care of pets; and

IV. Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.

B. Other essential activities may be added to this list with the approval of the State

Coordinating Officer, in close coordination with the State Health Officer. The State

Coordinating Officer shall maintain an online list of essential activities, as specified in this Order along with any approved additions.

C. A social gathering in a public space is not an essential activity. Local

jurisdictions shall ensure that groups of people greater than ten are not permitted to congregate in any public space.

Section 4. Local Orders in Response to COVID-19

This Order shall supersede any conflicting official action or order issued by local

officials in response to COVID-19 but only to the extent that such action or order allows essential services or essential activities prohibited by this Executive Order.

Section 5. Previous Executive Orders

This Executive Order does not supersede any Executive Order related to COVTD- 19.

Section 6. Effective Date and Expiration Date. This Order is effective 12:01 am on April 3, 2020. This Order shall expire on April 30, 2020 unless extended by subsequent order. Executive Order 20-68 (bars, restaurants) and Executive Order 20-71 (alcohol sales, restaurants) shall remain in effect through the duration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions.