The American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association (AHA), and American Nurses Association (ANA) released a letter to the American public urging “all people to stay home.”
As cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise, governors and city officials are ordering their residents to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19. While guidelines may vary, stay at home means residents should stay at home except for essential needs. If residents choose to go outside for recreational purposes, they should practice social distancing and avoid public gatherings.
Under stay at home orders, nonessential businesses have been ordered to close. Essential businesses will remain open including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants (delivery and takeout only), and medical facilities. Public events and gatherings are not allowed.
The letter published by the AMA echoed this sentiment, saying it needs the public to stay at home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The AMA explained, “Physical distancing and staying at home are the key to slowing the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to give physicians, nurses and everyone on the front lines a fighting chance at having the equipment, time and resources necessary to take on this immense challenge. Those contracting COVID-19 are your family, friends, and loved ones.”
The letter continued, “That’s why we’re urging the public to #StayHome as we reach the critical stages of our national response to COVID-19. Of course, those with urgent medical needs, including pregnant women, should seek care as needed. Everyone else should #StayHome.”
Stay at home does not mean losing all social connection. It simply means connecting in a safe way, typically through digital devices. The AMA applauded those residents already enacting stay at home measures, “Millions of you are already leading this effort—and we thank you. You’re still connecting with friends and loved ones through video chats, social media or just over the telephone—proving that meaningful social connections can happen at a safe distance.”
At least 20 states have issued stay at home orders including: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Some states have less restrictive demands and have simply ordered all nonessential businesses to close including: Maryland, Nevada, Virginia and Kentucky. Several states have not enacted stay at home orders. However, they have closed nonessential businesses, issued quarantines, or provided other guidance on social distancing and limited social gatherings. These states include: Alaska, Georgia, Florida, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The letter explained that while current efforts are impactful, citizens across the country must do more to stop the spread of COVID-19, most notably by staying at home. “Millions more must join this effort, which is why we’re calling for all-hands-on-deck to confront this public health battle against COVID-19. Staying at home in this urgent moment is our best defense to turn the tide against COVID-19. Physicians, nurses and health care workers are staying at work for you. Please stay at home for us.”
