Gov. DeSantis issues stay-at-home order for entire state of Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday afternoon that the state of Florida is being shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Florida now joins more than 30 states that are under a "stay-at-home" order.
The order mandates that Floridians stay home unless they're going out for "essential services or activities." Details will be released later Wednesday.
The order will take effect Thursday at midnight and last 30 days.
Florida is at just under 7,000 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday morning. The death toll is at 87.
DeSantis said he spoke to President Trump and cited the national guidelines that extended the stay-at-home recommendations for another 30 days as a reason for taking action now.
"Although the guidelines don't call for any new action…I think it's clear it effectively represents a national pause," DeSantis said. "It makes sense to make this move now."
Minutes before the news conference, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried took to Twitter to say the White House had given its blessing to DeSantis to issue the directive.
Gov. DeSantis has faced some criticism for not issuing a statewide stay-at-home order earlier, as many Floridians signed a petition urging him to close down the state.
On March 24, DeSantis said all state residents age 65 and older should stay home.
On Monday, he said all South Floridians should stay home until mid-April.
https://weartv.com/news/local/gov-desantis-issues-stay-at-home-order-for-entire-state-of-florida