var script = document.createElement('script'); Orange County was already under a stay-at-home order, and with the governor’s “Safer at Home Order," not much has changed. Yes, restaurants and places such as bakeries and coffee shops can continue to provide takeout and delivery services. Construction sites, contractors, workers, etc. Am I able to visit my friends and family? “We are operating in the digital world, we do a live stream service,” said Foundry Church lead Pastor Seth Cain. “By taking these steps, we will help reduce our residents’ exposure to COVID-19. Things are now stricter under the governor’s order. Thus far, Orange County is the first in Central Florida to issue a stay-at-home order. var first = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; Unless you are preparing or obtaining an essential service or doing an essential activity, you MUST STAY HOME. "So we think that three of the leading most populous counties in Central Florida, we do know that some of the smaller countries tend to follow Pinellas, Hillsborough and Orange County’s lead. "That is the dumbest shit I have heard in a long time," said state Sen. Oscar Braynon (D-Miami Gardens), Politico reported. An ER should only be used for medical emergencies. However, gyms and fitness centers will remain closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The agency is also surveying to assess all closure tracking. Residents are asked to stay calm, informed and measured as Orange County Government implements a proactive and planned response. If a person does head out to an essential spot, officials are asking them to continue to social distance. The order applies to ALL INDIVIDUALS within the state of Florida. Yes. Gov. According to the Governor’s order, the state will maintain a list of essential businesses, and this list will be available at the Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.floridadisaster.org and the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.floridahealth.gov. Also, any religious institutions and/or nonprofits offering meals and/or delivery of meals to people who may not be able to prepare food for themselves or family are exempt. The entire county will be asked to stay at home as much as possible except for "essential business." For information on testing center criteria and information, visit www.ocfl.net/covid-19. Orange County will align with the Governor’s directive. The following are examples of essential services and activities that may continue to be provided and obtained: Garbage pickup and public transit are also considered essential and will continue normal operations. Otherwise, STAY AT HOME. All rights reserved. Some Florida municipal leaders, like St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman, had already pledged to institute similar shelter-in-place orders on Monday, in the event state and federal authorities failed to issue their own. Blood donors should schedule an appointment to donate at www.oneblood.org. Yes. ORLANDO, Fla. — The governor’s safer at home order is in effect. As our region continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings is reminding residents that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ statewide stay-at-home order has taken effect as of April 3, 2020. Outdoor exercise is acceptable. Will I still be able to receive mail and online orders? Letters may be edited and shortened for space. "Orange County now has at least 50 cases within our county," said Demings. Partners are working closely with camps and providing information to keep them safe. Writers of letters selected for publication will be notified via email. What about schools, colleges and universities? Is it permitted to drive to the airport? The Sheriff’s Office does not intend to use the order as a mechanism for making arrests. Take care of yourself and your family – both physically and mentally. Information and Frequently Asked Questions about EO 20-112, statewide stay-at-home order has taken effect as of April 3, 2020, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Valencia College Student Presented with Orange County Appreciation Award for COVID-19 Testing Volunteer Work, Orange County Domestic Violence Commission Member Speaks from Experience, College Kids Help Keep Elementary School Students Covered – Orange County Donates 10K Face Coverings to their Efforts, Auto supply stores, repair shops as well as auto dealerships. Tags: Orange County shelter in place, Orlando Florida, coronavirus, COVID-19, Orange County, public health, safety, Image. Yes. When it comes to churches and other religious facilities, the governor is allowing them to stay open if they follow CDC guidelines. You can seek medical care for your pets should they require it. It’s essentially a stay-at-home order limiting access to only essential services. Yes. Continue to check on your loved ones electronically – by phone, text, FaceTime, email, etc. Do I need documentation with me when I travel on the road so I will not be fined or arrested? The county did, however keep its own social distancing mandate, as did nearby Lake County. What about firearm stores? Even if your business is deemed essential, Orange County encourages employers to allow employees to work from home, if possible. Blood donors provide an essential service to the community and are needed on a regular basis to ensure a ready blood supply for hospitals and their patients at all times. "There's no way a nine-month shutdown would be sustainable," he said. Will daycares continue to operate? We welcome readers to submit letters regarding articles and content in Orlando Weekly. script.src = 'https://us.commitchange.com/js/donate-button.v2.js'; These businesses will be closed during the order. Will public transit, such as LYNX and SunRail, be available? However, once these locations have been visited, residents NEED TO GO HOME. The Orlando International Airport will continue to be open, and essential travel is permitted. "This is a day-by-day crisis. Navigate through the following tag links with the arrow keys. Individuals can travel to and from grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices and healthcare facilities. Will the Orlando International Airport still be open? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORDER: When does the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 go into effect and when will it expire? As our region continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings is reminding residents that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ statewide stay-at-home order has taken effect as of April 3, 2020. However, religious leaders are encouraged to fully comply with all measures advised by the CDC, including limiting gatherings to not more than 10 people and practicing social distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons. Will hospitals still be open? However, you SHOULD NOT go to an ER for a COVID-19 test. Copyright © 1996 - 2020 Orange County Government, Florida. Ron DeSantis had been resisting growing calls for Florida to institute a similar lockdown statewide. “Six feet distance in between markings on the ground, no meeting of 10 or more and 30 percent occupancy inside of businesses," said Alan Harris with Seminole County Emergency Management. A link to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 can be found on www.ocfl.net/coronavirus. The Executive Order describes essential services and activities. Orange County will align with the Governor’s directive. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlando’s true free press free. Letters should be a minimum of 150 words, refer to content that has appeared on Orlando Weekly, and must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. A person can take walks, among other outdoor activities, provided they follow social distancing guidelines. We are talking as if there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Cain said. “Find the balance of ackowleding the situation we are in, but not grinding to a halt as if this world is coming to an end.