Quarantine, Isolation, and Social Distancing Orders

The novel coronavirus poses an extraordinary threat to public health, since it is easily transmittable and highly contagious, and no proven treatment or prevention method exists. In response, many states and counties throughout the U.S. have issued orders requiring people to refrain from congregating in public places and to exercise social distancing whenever possible. It is important for anyone subject to an order regarding COVID-19 to understand and comply with the terms of the order, not only for their own health and safety but also for the health of other people in their communities.

If you sustained an illness or injury during the coronavirus pandemic, you should speak to an attorney regarding your options. Boca Raton personal injury lawyer Gregg M. Hollander at the Hollander Law Firm is proficient at assisting people in the pursuit of damages in Florida injury cases. He understands the issues presented by quarantine, isolation, and social distancing orders. With offices in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, the Hollander Law Firm assists people throughout South Florida.

Quarantine, Isolation, and Social Distancing Orders in Florida

Social Distancing Orders

Orders regarding social distancing, isolation, quarantine, and other protective measures that people should take have been issued at the state and local levels in Florida. For example, the Governor of Florida issued an order on March 9, 2020, declaring a State of Emergency. In another order, issued on March 20, 2020, the Governor ordered many businesses where people congregate and all beaches throughout the state to close. The Governor issued a subsequent order on March 24, 2020, directing state health officials to advise people who are over the age of 65 and people with compromised immune systems and serious underlying health conditions, such as asthma, severe obesity, and heart disease, to stay home. The March 24 order also directed state health officials to issue an advisory against public gatherings of 10 or more people and to urge people who can work from home to telecommute.

COVID-19 hygiene

The Governor also issued a second order on March 24, 2020, requiring anyone traveling to Florida from a place with a substantial community spread of COVID-19, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, to quarantine or isolate for a minimum of two weeks from the time that they enter Florida or for the time that they remain in Florida, whichever is shorter. On April 1, 2020, the Governor issued another order, further restricting activity in the state. Specifically, the order directed senior citizens and people with significant health conditions to stay at home. It directed all other Florida residents to leave their homes only to the extent necessary to provide or obtain essential services or to conduct essential activities. The order also directed all non-essential businesses to close.

Furthermore, on March 29, 2020, officials for Palm Beach County issued an order directing all non-essential businesses to close. Then, on April 11, 2020, county officials issued an order recommending that all senior citizens and people with underlying health issues stay home. The order further directed people working in restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, vehicles for hire, and other areas where social distancing is not possible to wear face masks, and it suggested that all other people wear face masks while in public.

Currently, the orders will expire on varying dates. As new orders are issued, new expiration dates are issued as well. To the extent that there is any conflict between state and local orders, the state order will supersede the local order unless the local order imposes greater restrictions.

Consult a Dedicated Boca Raton Attorney

Navigating the complexities of quarantine, isolation, and social distancing orders related to COVID-19 can be difficult, and people may be uncertain about their rights during the pandemic. If you suffered an injury during the COVID-19 outbreak, however, you still may be able to pursue a claim. Gregg M. Hollander is a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who is available to answer questions and assist you in seeking damages for harm that you suffered during the pandemic. Mr. Hollander’s main office is in Boca Raton, and he also has offices in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, from which he represents people in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and the surrounding areas. You can reach the Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers at (561) 347-7770 or via the online form to set up a consultation.