A message from Mayor Dyer

Along with our regional partners in Orange County, the City of Orlando continues to take difficult, but needed action to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

These decisions are not made lightly and we know that they will have continued economic and emotional impacts on our community – but we must continue to act in order to save lives.

That is why I am joining Mayor Demings and the leaders from the municipalities in Orange County and supporting a “Stay at Home” order for all residents and closing all non-essential businesses, starting this Thursday at 11 p.m., and continuing for two weeks through April 9, 2020.

This means you should stay at home, unless it is absolutely needed – like shopping at the grocery store, going to a doctor’s appointment, providing necessary care for a family member, visiting a restaurant for a takeout order or going outside to exercise, all while keeping six feet between you and others.

Businesses that are not considered essential, which includes most retail, recreation and entertainment businesses, are to cease operations no later than Thursday, March 26 at 11 p.m.

You should not go to work unless you are providing essential services that are defined in this order. Visits to family members or friends should be limited to those who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate supply of food or medicine.

We know that this order will impact the livelihood of residents, our local businesses and our region’s economy. But the health of our community is our top priority and we must do everything that we can to protect the lives of our family members, friends and neighbors.

It is our goal that through aggressive action we will help minimize how many people in our community are impacted by this virus, and then how quickly residents and businesses can recover emotionally and financially.

This is a challenge unlike any we’ve seen before, but I know that Orlando is up to it.

Let’s all stay home, stop the spread and save lives.