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Why are there so many exceptions to the shelter-in-place orders across the nation?

While some stores are closed, others remain open for business as if the last month never happened.

ATLANTA — Shelter-in-place orders are becoming the norm as the spread of the Coronavirus continues. Investigator Brendan Keefe from Atlanta looked into the exceptions to these orders from state-to-state.

While some stores are closed, others remain open for business as if the last month never happened. That’s because the open stores have been declared “essential services.”

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, these are 16 business sectors that are classified as essential:

  1. Chemical Sector
  2. Commercial Facilities Sector
  3. Communications Sector
  4. Critical Manufacturing Sector
  5. Dams Sector
  6. Defense Industrial Base Sector
  7. Emergency Services Sector
  8. Energy Sector
  9. Financial Services Sector
  10. Food and Agriculture Sector
  11. Government Facilities sector
  12. Healthcare and Public Health Sector
  13. Information technology Sector
  14. Nuclear Reactors Materials, and Waste Sector
  15. Transportation Systems Sector
  16. Water and Wastewater Systems Sector

These sectors include services provided by:

  1. Hospitals
  2. Diagnostic labs
  3. Fire fighters
  4. Public safety workers
  5. Grocery stores
  6. Dry cleaners
  7. Delivery drivers
  8. Gas stations
  9. Shipping companies
  10. Factories
  11. Public transportation
  12. Banks and ATMs
  13. Airports
  14. Newsrooms

In some states, liquor stores have been declared “essential.” Some states even allowing "to go" drinks along with curbside delivery of meals. Many states have exempted construction companies. Roads have also remained open.

RELATED: Coronavirus in Georgia: Cobb County declares state of emergency, residents told to shelter in place

Businesses that are closed following shelter-in-place orders include tourist attractions, sports, venues, dine-in restaurants, office buildings, and movie theatres.

11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus.  We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information.

We will track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information. 

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