While the term “shelter in place” has traditionally been used in association with natural disasters or chemical incidents, it is now being used for COVID-19.

In simple terms, it means all non-essential trips from your home would not be allowed for a certain period of time. The length is set by local leaders or the governor, depending on whether the order is issued at the county or state level.

5 Minute Overview of Shelter In Place…

The goal is to keep people away from each other, as much as possible, to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s all about social distancing, which is one of the strategies that helps limit the spread of COVID-19.

If a stay-at-home order is put in place, you are still allowed to make trips to the grocery store, go to get tested or drive to an ‘essential’ job. But trips to the hair salon, local bar or dinner parties are not.

General Guidelines…

• Stay at home. They can leave for essential activities like grocery shopping, doctors visits and getting equipment needed to work from home. They can also leave to care for a family member or pet in another household.
• Exercising outside is allowed, but you must be no closer than 6 feet from others.
• Religious services can be done thorough broadcasts but not in person. There are restrictions on the numbers of staff members for the recordings. 
• Elective medical, surgical and dental procedures are prohibited in the county. 
• Businesses — except for essential businesses, such as hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and gas stations — should stop operations at facilities in the county. Employees can work from home. 

Stay Safe and be healthy!

Full Article: What’s a ‘Shelter in Place’ Order, and Who’s Affected?https://www.wired.com/story/whats-shelter-place-order-whos-affected/