All workers in non-essential businesses across New York and California are being ordered to stay home in an effort to tackle the spread of COVID-19.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a “statewide order” for the state’s residents to “stay at home,” on Thursday, and the order took affect early Friday morning.
“We need to bend the curve in the state of California,” Newsom said during a news conference. “There’s a social contract here. People, I think, recognize the need to do more. They will adjust and adapt as they have,” he said, adding, “This is a moment we need to make tough decisions. This is a moment where we need some straight talk, and we need to tell people the truth.”
On Friday morning, New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a press conference, where he stressed the urgency of staying indoors.
“We need everyone to be safe, otherwise no one can be safe,” Cuomo said.
“So we’re going to put out an executive order today: New York state on pause: Policies that Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone. These provisions will be enforced,” he added. “These are not helpful hints. This is not if you really want to be a great citizen. These are legal provisions. They will be enforced. There will be a civil fine and mandatory closure for any business that is not in compliance. Again, your actions can affect my health. That’s where we are.”
The State Department also issued a level 4 travel advisory this week, where he urged U.S. citizens abroad to hurry home or to take shelter until the pandemic has died down.
