Governor Charlie Baker holds a press conference on the state’s efforts in dealing with the coronavirus at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on March 17, 2020.
Matthew J. Lee | Boston Globe | Getty Images
A growing list of states is ordering residents stay at home during the coronavirus crisis, as COVID-19 takes hold in the U.S. Michigan became the latest state to issue such restrictions on Monday.
Earlier Monday, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order to close all nonessential businesses across the state to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“I am issuing the following emergency order: effective Tuesday March 24th at noon, all nonessential businesses shall close their physical workplaces and facilities to all workers, customers and the public,” he said at a news briefing.
The announcement follows similar orders in states including New York, California and New Jersey.
The virus has now infected more than 35,200 people in the U.S., including at least 470 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Massachusetts has 646 confirmed cases, state health officials said.
Baker’s order will last until April 7. The governor also directed the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to issue a “stay-at-home” advisory to residents.
“I am also directing the Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory outlining self-isolation and social distancing protocols,” he said. “We will always allow all grocery stores, pharmacies and other types of businesses that provide essential goods and services to Massachusetts residents to continue to operate.”
Restaurants and bars can remain open for delivery and takeout orders, he said.
Correction: An earlier version of this report overstated the governor’s “stay-at-home” announcement. It was an advisory.