Coronavirus Florida: Gov. DeSantis issues 'safer at home' order. What it means

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday he would issue an order for Floridians to stay at home for the next 30 days and only leave for essential services.

The order begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

DeSantis previously had resisted issuing a stay-at-home order, but said Wednesday in Tallahassee he decided to issue the order after President Trump extended the national social distancing guidelines for an additional 30 days.

Under the "safer at home" order, DeSantis said people will be allowed to engage in "essential activities" but should stay at home otherwise.

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Details on what an essential service is will be released later Wednesday.

What does this mean for Floridians? Here are some questions and answers.

How did we get here?

On March 16, Trump and the CDC issued the "15 Days to Slow the Spread" guidance advising individuals to adopt far-reaching social distancing measures, such as avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, and in states with evidence of community spread, recommending restrictions to certain establishments conducive to mass gatherings and congregations.

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On March 29, Trump extended such guidance to be in effect until April 30.

On March 31, Trump updated the guidance, renaming it "30 Days to Slow the Spread," and along with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, urged Americans to continue to adhere to the guidelines and expand community mitigation efforts.

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Who is affected by this order?

All Floridians.

"It's an order to individuals saying ... you can engage in essential services, essential activities but other than that you need to stick close to home," DeSantis said during the press conference. "Under the order you wouldn't be able to go into some of these (businesses) and conduct business and follow the order."

There is a flipside, however.

"You'll see the order. The Department of Homeland Security published their (order) for essential services and businesses. Anything mentioned there is considered."

"There are other things that pose no danger in terms of the virus but make sense."

"Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition (such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

"In concert with the efforts of President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to fight COVID-19, and based on guidance provided by Florida Surgeon General and State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Rivkees, all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities."

Do we still work from home?

According to the order, individuals are encouraged to work from home.

Can we still eat out?

The order states: "All businesses or organizations are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out or curbside service outside of the business or organization, of orders placed online or via telephone, to the greatest extent practicable."

Can we go to the grocery store?

Yes, Floridians can go to the grocery store or pharmacy for food and essential items. Senior shopping hours are still in effect, too.

Can we go for a walk?

Yes, you can take a walk, ride your bikes, job and be outside for exercise, as long as you practice social distancing guidelines like stay 6 feet away from others.

Is there leeway?

During the press conference, DeSantis said there's "a whole bunch of possibilities where some of the nonessential businesses will still be able to do something."

He cited construction projects: "The good thing about the construction stuff, they'll be outside. As long as they're not on top of each other, I think they'll be good. DOT (Department of Transportation) is very mindful of that. I think it'll work well."

The governor seemed open to suggestions: "If there is a different essential service, someone can ask. We can add it or not add it as we see fit."

How does this affect health care workers?

DeSantis mentioned South Florida hospitals: "There have been some projections saying they would be busted by now. We look at the numbers. The infection numbers are important, (but) look at the hospitalization rate." Specifically, the governor cited Miami-Dade county. "All these things are monitored, the bed counts, how many beds are available.

There are field hospitals set up in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with the Army Corps ready to set up, if needed, DeSantis said.

Hotels have offered up their space, suggesting some health care workers could stay there.

"The fear is if you're a nurse and you go home," you can infect someone in your household, DeSantis explained. Hotels could give them a safe place to stay, but he said his office is considering options and what's safe.

Hospitals have stopped elective surgeries, helping to free up beds.

Florida's economy

Reporters asked DeSantis about the economy, which has already taken a hit. He previously said he didn't want to shut the entire state down because some of the smaller towns may not recover.

"Tourism is totally shot in Florida. You'll see fallout there," DeSantis said.

What "essential activities" are mentioned in the "safer at home" order?

According to the order, "essential activities" mean and encompass the following:

• attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship

• participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming

• taking care of pets

• caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend

The importance of pets

DeSantis stressed the need of taking care of Floridians' furry companions.

"One thing we're very clear of, pets and taking care of your pets is a necessity. Anyone needing pet food" should be able to get it. "We understand we need to be looking after our pets."