Massachusetts Issues Stay-At-Home Order, Closes Non-essential Businesses
Closing of Non-essential Businesses and Organizations
On 23 March 2020, Governor Baker of Massachusetts issued an emergency order forcing all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close until at least 7 April 2020 at noon.
During the press conference, the Governor emphasized that grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open and residents will have access to them. You can view the full list of COVID-19 Essential Services on Mass.gov.
Stay-At-Home Order
Governor Baker also directed the Department of Public Health to issue a Stay-at-Home Advisory for the state.
According to the DPH,
The purpose is to take strong action to reduce the potential exposure to COVID-19 to those instances for basic food, health and well-being and for the provision of our essential services.
The DPH is strongly advising everyone “stay-at-home with the exception of essential trips for food, medicine, and focused time for exercise and fresh air.”
As explained in the advisory, staying at home means:
- Only leave your home for essential needs and to get some fresh air and exercise.
- You should still run essential errands, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy.
- When leaving your home, practice social distancing and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others.
- When going to the pharmacy, fill prescriptions for 90 days when possible.
- If you are at high risk, try to use a mail-order pharmacy.
- Whenever possible, use remote modes of communication such as telephone, text chat, or voice/video chat instead of meeting in-person.
- You can still accept deliveries or pick up take-out food.
Most importantly, as the DPH points out:
Individuals with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should remain in their homes, and request assistance with accessing essential services, such as obtaining food or medications.
Stay safe, everyone. ♥