On Monday, Virginia announced a stay-at-home order that will extend to June 10. Take note other states. Residents likely experienced an immediate jolt upon seeing that date, the longest of its kind thus far, on account of the fact that it looks like a freaking mountain from here. I believe it's still March.
But, had you been keeping up with news, you would probably have expected this (or something close to it) since coronavirus numbers continue to climb, and the previous dates that were set were arbitrary and always subject to being pushed back further anyway (note that this new date could still be rescinded or amended). In short, there is no magic day this will end. And as long as infections keep going up, nationwide if not worldwide, these quarantine rules almost certainly won't be lifted. June 10 will probably look good when the future announcements of August, or November, or 2027 are made.Â
âWe are at the beginning of a period of sacrifice," said governor Ralph Northam during a press conference in which the announcement was made. "This is an unprecedented and difficult time; it will be hard for people, and I understand that. But I have faith in you as Virginians. We need everyone to take this seriously and act responsibly.â
At the current moment, the state has 1,036 confirmed COVID-19 cases, which has led to 25 deaths and 136 hospitalizations. Those numbers are expected to increase as tests and supplies become more available.Â
This new order will allow people to continue buying groceries, go to the bank, and doing things that seem like common sense basics. Most of you probably know the drill by now. The state will also allow outdoor activities so long as residents stay six feet apart from one another, and so long as they don't involve gatherings of more than 10 people.Â
Anyone who doesn't comply can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor.Â
Furthermore, the state's beaches will close, but their state parks will stay open for day-use. Golf courses are open, but clubhouses are shut. Restaurants can operate for take-out and delivery. And stores can stay open if they allow fewer than 10 customers in at a time. Also, any education institution has to shutdown in-person classes (looking Liberty's way).Â
The news, and the grim immediate future that it signifies, caused people to commiserate on social media and also be mad at those who apparently didn't heed the warning before government enforcement. Oh, it also got people from other states to pre-panic for the probably inevitable:
And so on...
