Our team has been closely following the legal changes on the state level this week. We have also been following the federal legislation, but the criminal sanctions governing where, when, and how we can leave our homes and tend to our businesses are extremely important concerns at the moment. Given that we will now be under a stay-at-home order, residents should keep the following information in mind:
First, individuals may only leave their homes for critical needs, such as grocery shopping. The primary exceptions are that you can travel for “tasks essential to maintain health and safety,” “getting necessary services or supplies for themselves (i.e., you and your household members),” and “to take care for a family member or pet in another household.”
Second, there is a “phew” exception for “engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, or running.” This should be good news for the cabin fever crowd. However, you are required to engage in social distancing even if outside. The order does not make clear whether family members are excluded from the social distancing requirement. Do not, though, meet friends at the park or otherwise recreate with others. We think it is probably okay to be present with family members, so long as you are not in a group.
Second, there are **criminal** sanctions for violating these orders, and we have seen reports of arrests in other counties that had this order put in place earlier in the week. There is much debate over whether these orders are appropriate. Debate aside, you must generally stay home. If you cannot, if pressed, easily explain to officials why you are outside, then we suggest not trying to risk matters.
Third, there continues to be an exception for “life sustaining businesses.” However, businesses should note that the list of what constitutes a life sustaining business has changed, and the list is getting smaller. ***If you were a life-sustaining business earlier in the week, you may not be one now.*** There continues to be a waiver process, but that process has slowed down, apparently, due to high demand.
Finally, everyone – individuals, life-sustaining businesses, state and local governments and their officials – must engage in social distancing. That is an explicit requirement under the order, meaning, for example, that even if you fall within an exception, you are still required to follow all CDC protocols.
We will continue to stay on top of this situation, but please let us know if you have any questions in the meantime. We are still working, albeit remotely, and can be reached at our respective email addresses or via (814) 234-1500 (State College) and (814) 355-5474 (Bellefonte).