Gov. Inslee orders all residents to stay at home

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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered all residents to stay at home for the next two weeks.

Inslee, in a televised addressed Monday evening, also said all businesses except those considered “essential” — such as grocery stores and pharmacies — will be closed.

Gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes have also been banned.

“The less time we spend in public, the more lives we will save,” Inslee said.

Under the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, people will still be able to go to grocery stores and seek health care.

Also OK: going outside for exercise or gardening, going for bike rides or taking the dog for a walk — as long as people stay at least six feet away from anyone else.

The order applies to both private and public gatherings — and includes weddings and funerals.

Although the order will run for two weeks, it may be extended.

Essential businesses also include banks, gas stations, food banks, childcare facilities, and other businesses that fill people’s basic, crucial needs.

Restaurants that provide take-out orders and deliver meals can also stay open.

For now, Inslee said he expects people and businesses to voluntarily comply with the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.

Possible enforcement measures will be looked at in the coming days if residents and businesses do not comply.