Washington imposes stay indoors order amid coronavirus outbreak

Washington on Monday asked its citizens to stay indoors unless they need to leave for essential activities in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The statement in this regard stated that any individual who willfully violates the stay-at-home order may be subjected to a fine not exceeding USD 5,000, imprisonment for not more than 90 days. The US capital has registered more than 400 confirmed cases of the virus and nine deaths.

"Today, due to an increasing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Washington, DC and across the region and the nation, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the District of Columbia. This order reinforces the Mayor's direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities," said the statement.

Residents will still be able to leave the house for various recreational activities. This comes after similar orders implemented by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) on Monday.

"Our message remains the same: stay home," Bowser said in the news release. "Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family, and our entire community from COVID-19. Many people want to know how they can help right now, and for most people, this is how -- by staying home."

The city previously closed nonessential businesses and directed restaurants to end dine-in services, while limits on gatherings of 50 or more people were temporarily banned.

The number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases within the United States surpassed 150,000 and the death toll has reached 2828, according to Johns Hopkins University.