There is an inclining number of states and counties across the United States of America that are restricting the movement of their residents amid the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus had led to at least 220 million US citizens to stay at home, says an article.

From the latest records, there are at least 26 states in the US that had issued orders to residents to stay in their homes.

Some stated are calling it shelter-in-place order while others call it stay-at-home orders. The directives are unique in the state where it is being implemented. However, some common part of the orders is the avoidance of nonessential reasons for leaving their homes. Residents are being asked to stay inside as much as possible to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Orders are not Lockdowns

Despite these orders, you should not panic because they are not lockdowns. The orders still allow residents to continue tasks necessary for the health and safety of family and their pets. The orders do not prohibit citizens from buying at the grocery stores, going for a jog, walking the dog, buying medicine, and visiting the doctor.

Each state and local authorities in the US are given federal guidelines on what they should consider as 'essential' businesses during emergencies. However, in general, those businesses include grocery stores, food production businesses, healthcare businesses, pharmacies, shipping businesses, utility companies, and banking institutions. Also, law enforcement, emergency services, news outlets, and other governmental services are 'essential' businesses that are allowed to be open during these orders.

Here are some of the states from the US that are implementing these orders:

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New Mexico

The governor of New Mexico Michelle Lujan Grisham released a public health order on Monday. The order requires non-essential businesses to suspend operations until April 10.

The order in the state took effect on Tuesday morning. The order asks residents of the state to remain inside their homes. Also, the order advises citizens to only go out if the errand is for health, safety, and welfare. Additionally, the order does not allow gatherings with more than four attendees.

California

The governor of California Gavin Newsom had released an announcement for a statewide shelter-in-place order on March 19.

The governor stated 16 critical sectors. These sectors include those that provide health care, food, and energy.

According to Newson, that it is a dynamic situation. He revealed that he does not expect the situation to continue for many months. However, he stated that the following eight weeks after his announcement is a crucial period.

Texas

The governor of Texas Greg Abbott had given local governments the decision to declare stay-at-home orders instead of declaring a state-wide order.

The counties in the states that implemented the stay-at-home policy are Tarrant County, Dallas County, Bexar County, Collin County, El Paso County, Harris County, Austin, and Hunt County.