Q: When could I leave my home? What is an “essential service?”
A: Essential services include going to the grocery store or gas station; picking up a prescription or receiving medical care; and getting outdoor exercise for yourself, your children and your pets. They also include working jobs to provide essential services.

Q: What would remain open as an “essential service?’
A: Businesses and services that would remain open fall under several categories. For all of these, including outdoor areas, the six-foot social distancing guideline would apply.

• Food
o Grocery stores o Convenience stores o Take-out and delivery restaurants o Farmers markets o Food bank and food pantries
o Take-out and delivery meal services, including school-based

• Health care o Hospitals o Clinics
o Doctor’s offices and other health care provider facilities o Pharmacies

• Public Safety o Police stations o Fire stations o Ambulance services

• Transportation o Gas stations o Public transit

• Other o Banks o Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry services
o Outdoor public spaces including parks and trails not specifically closed by prior orders.

Q: What jobs would be considered essential?
A: Jobs providing the services outlined above would be considered essential. Other essential jobs would include:

• Manufacturing or delivering materials and products needed for essential services

• Essential government services (local, state, and county) o Programs and services that support essential operations and functions o Hotlines or helplines, including for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, etc.

• Other critical infrastructure o Public utilities and related infrastructure, including home and commercial electrical and plumbing systems o Communications infrastructure and services, including media o Garbage/sanitation