Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a statewide stay at home order as the state records more than 12,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, following President Donald Trump’s decision to update the social distancing guidance from “15 Days to Slow the Spread” to “30 Days to Slow the Spread.”
“The goal is to reduce contacts with people outside the home,” DeSantis said at an in-person press conference Thursday in the Capitol. “It’s less important what you do as how you do it.” Floridians are otherwise forbidden by DeSantis’ order to gather in groups of 10 or more for any other purpose and are instructed to practice social distancing at all times, even while engaging with essential functions like grocery shopping or visiting a pharmacy.
April 8 is the first day of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday, and this week corresponds with the holiest week in Christianity, leading up to Easter Sunday. Although Governor DeSantis has exempted places of worship from the Stay at Home Order, we encourage you to consider attending remotely and/or participating in video Seders and Easter services.
An Executive Committee of the Florida Bar met and determined that, in most circumstances, attorneys are individuals who provide essential services. Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith, PLLC is open if you have any legal needs in this uncertain time.
Below are some helpful tips from the World Health Organization for avoiding the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
Hygiene advice
• Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
• Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your hands, nose, and mouth. Do not spit in public.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
• Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
• Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid the potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
• If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
• Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent the spread of the disease.
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
