From NBC10 Philadelphia
By Rudy Chinchilla and Vince Lattanzio
Mayor Jim Kenney has issued a “stay at home” order for all Philadelphia residents that went into effect Monday March 23rd at 8 a.m. This order prohibits, with certain exceptions, public and private gatherings outside a single household.
On Monday afternoon, it was announced by Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley that the city has 79 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total case number to 175. Farley said that the new cases are partly due to the increase in testing, though he said testing is becoming less valuable.
Mayor Kenney explained that he was forced to issue the order, because merely asking people to stay at home seemed to not be working. Kenney said that he would be reluctant to arrest anyone, but if authorities do encounter large groups, there will be intervention and a reminder to go home.
All Philadelphia residents are to stay in their homes, unless they’re engaged in Essential Personal Activities, such as these:
- Obtaining essential goods or services from Essential Businesses, such as obtaining pre-ordered takeout food or beverages from restaurants, acquiring groceries, obtaining medical prescriptions or supplies, or any other products from Essential Businesses for themselves, family, household members, and pets
- Seeking any form of medical attention, including through Essential Healthcare and Social Services Businesses and Activities, or seeking assistance from law enforcement or emergency services for themselves, family, household members, and pets
- Caring for family members, friends, or a pet in another household, including delivering essential goods or obtaining emergency services and attention
- Reporting to or performing their essential jobs related to Essential Businesses and Activities, Essential Minimum Operations, Essential Government Functions, or any other working activities permitted in this Order
- Walking, running, cycling, operating a wheelchair, or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners while following Social Distancing Rules with other individuals, which includes staying six feet apart
- Leaving the home for an educational, religious, or political reason
- Leaving because of a reasonable fear for health or safety
- Leaving at the direction of law enforcement or other government agency
- Engaging in any other activities or performing tasks essential to health and safety, or to the health and safety of themselves, family, household members, or pets
Read the full article: Philly Orders People to Stay Home to Stop Coronavirus Spread