Is your job considered essential?

Posted on April 3, 2020

By CAITLYN BURCHETT / Staff Writer

Governor Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day “stay-at-home” order Wednesday afternoon, directing all Floridians, including Taylor Countians, to “take a pause” and halt all things deemed “non-essential” in response to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

While there are currently no positive COVID-19 cases in Taylor County, the governor’s “Safer At Home” order will require locals to remain at their residences for the next 30 days – with the exception of conducting essential services or essential activities (see list below).

Those who provide essential services will be permitted to continue working, while businesses, such as some barbers, jewelry stores and clothing boutiques, will be forced to close their doors until May 1. The order will also impact golf courses, hair salons, nail spas and fishing charters.

The decision came one day after President Donald Trump’s announcement to extend the “national pause” an additional 30 days to May 1.

“I have not viewed, previously, that being necessary for the rest of the state simply because we have areas that have extremely low infections per capita,” DeSantis said.

“We did the 15 days to stop the spread,” DeSantis said, referring to the initial implementation of social distancing guidelines. “As a result of this (the pandemic), we are going to be in this for another 30 days.”

The order does not completely bar residents from leaving their homes and encourages people to participate in essential activities, such as biking, fishing, hunting, running, taking care of pets and attending religious services, as long as the activity adheres to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing guidelines. All essential activities require congregations of less than 10 people and maintaining six feet of distance.

“At this point, even though there are a lot of places in Florida that have very low infection rates, it makes sense to make this decision now,” DeSantis said. “That is just the reality we are in.”

In defining what an essential service is, DeSantis modeled the list after services detailed by the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the stay-at-home order issued on March 19 by Miami-Dade County.

According to DeSantis’ Safer At Home order, those deemed “essential” are:

Healthcare workers

Essential healthcare workers is an umbrella term that applies to healthcare providers, caregivers, dentists, nurses, assistants, pharmacists, and hospital and laboratory personnel.

Law enforcement, public safety and first responders

Public, private and volunteer personnel in emergency management, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, correctional officers, dispatchers and emergency medical services are essential.

Food and agriculture providers

Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies, convenience stores, and animal/pet food and pet supply are necessary to ensure the businesses continue to provide essential services.

Restaurant kitchen workers who provide pick-up and delivery services only are also permitted.

Also included in this section are farmers, farm workers, animal agriculture workers and food manufacturer employees who contribute to the supply and distribution of food products.

Critical manufacturing

Facilities that manufacture metals, industrial minerals, wood products, medical supplies, chemicals and fuel are considered critical manufacturers. Workers necessary for the operation of these facilities are essential.

Hygiene products and services

Those who perform janitorial and disinfectant services are essential workers, as well as those who provide laundromat or dry cleaning services.

Other businesses that are essential include: banks; hardware stores; public works, such as waste management, water and power; childcare facilities with a maximum of 10 children and teachers); mail and shipping services; media services; private transportation providers, such as taxis, Uber and Lyft; legal and accounting services; airports and seaports; government facilities; and businesses that interact with customers solely through electronic or telephone means.

While critical operation continue, those deemed non-essential will not be permitted to remain open. Businesses that are expected to temporarily close are:

• Arts and crafts supply stores;

• Barbers, beauty salons and nail studios;

• Bookstores;

• Casinos;

• Clothing stores and boutiques;

• Indoors amusement parks and driving ranges;

• Jewelry stores;

• Malls;

• Music supply stores;

• Pawn shops;

• Social clubs, tennis clubs, golf courses and fishing charters;

• Souvenir stores;

• Spas;

• Sporting goods stores;

• Tutoring centers;

• Toy stores.

The Safer at Home order went into effect at midnight Thursday, April 2. The order is set to expire on May 1.

“We find ourselves in a national situation where we need to take a pause. We need to get out in front of this,” DeSantis said.

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