Social distancing matters. Here is how to do it and how it can help curb the COVID-19 pandemic. USA TODAY As cases and death tolls associated with COVID-19 rise, the last thing Southwest Florida law enforcement wants is to arrest anyone not in compliance with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ safer-at-home order aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. Local agencies have been scrambling to determine what this means for local businesses and recreational activities as Floridians must stay home for the next 30 days and can only leave for essential services or activities. An advisory issued by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office stated its goal was to slow the spread of COVID-19 and would not “arrest anyone and everyone who is out in the community,” unless there was a disregard for the order. “We will continue to educate the community as the situation evolves and please remember that the last thing we want to do is take legal action,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said. More: What does the safer-at-home order mean for you? We’re answering your questions. The governor’s order establishes a long list of essential businesses that can remain open. These include but are not limited to food services, health care, childcare, banks and other financial institutions, hotels, funeral homes, gas stations and energy companies, hardware stores, mailing and shipping companies and laundromats and dry cleaners. While initially resistant to putting the safer-at-home order, DeSantis changed his mind after President Donald Trump extended national social distancing guidelines for an additional 30 days. DeSantis, however, signed an executive order hours later preventing local governments from putting in restrictions more strict than the state’s guidelines, the Tampa Bay Times reported. As of Thursday morning, the state had confirmation of more than 8,000 positive COVID-19 cases, including 128 deaths. In Collier County, […]
