Entire State Of PA Now Under Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order
HARRISBURG, PA — After a piecemeal attempt at a stay-at-home order to quell the spread of the new coronavirus in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday has expanded it to the entire state.
Under the stay-at-home order, people can only leave their home for essential tasks, such as to buy food and pharmaceuticals. Residents can participate in individual exercise, such as taking a walk, but should stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone they encounter. Learn more: Here's What You Can Do During PA's 'Stay At Home' Order
"Staying at home doesn’t mean making a daily stop at the grocery store because you need to get out of the house. Staying at home means you must stay at home," Health Secretary Rachel Levine said.
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Philadelphia and its suburbs have been under a stay-at-home order since March 23. That order had been expanded to 33 additional counties before the statewide order was announced Wednesday.
All nonessential businesses are closed and will remain closed "indefinitely," the governor said Monday. The school closures are also indefinite.
The news comes as Pennsylvania reported nearly 1,000 cases Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 5,805. Eleven additional deaths were reported. The statewide death toll was at 74 as of Wednesday.
"COVID-19 is everywhere in Pennsylvania, and there is community spread," Levine noted during a Wednesday news conference. "The most important thing is please stay home."
>>>See full coverage of coronavirus in Pennsylvania
This article originally appeared on the Newtown Patch
