The Supreme Court of Florida stated that anyone who violates the state’s “Safer at Home” order amid the CCP virus pandemic could be held without bail pending their first court appearance.
Chief Judge Michael T. McHugh signed a directive on April 3 saying that perpetrators would be given no “notice to appear,” meaning they will remain in detention until their first date in court. In other words, they will not be released under any local bond schedule.
Upon the arrestee’s first appearance, the State Health Officer or Department of Health will be heard and a judge may decide to grant bond or bail, the 20th Judicial Circuit said. The directive is valid until further notice.
*LATEST ADVISORY* People arrested for violating Department of Health isolation or quarantine orders will be held on no bond pending first appearance in all counties of the 20th Circuit. More information is on our website: https://t.co/w8dlGJiqRJ pic.twitter.com/Ybpyo2qbVX
— 20th Circuit Florida (@SWFLCourts) April 3, 2020
Violation of any requirements made by the Department of Health related to a public health emergency is considered a second-degree misdemeanor.
The decision came after Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order for a “Safer At Home” directive on Wednesday that restricts Floridians to their homes except for essential activities, such as going to the grocery shops or the pharmacy in order to stem the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.
While self-isolation directives may be strict in Florida, the Philippines has seen this “Stay at Home” message emphasized in a different way.
‘Shoot Them Dead’: Philippines President Says He Won’t Tolerate Lockdown Violators
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned violators of the CCP virus lockdown measures they could be shot for causing trouble, saying that abuse of medical workers was a serious crime that would not be tolerated.
In a televised address, Duterte said it was vital everyone cooperates and follows home quarantine measures.
“It is getting worse. So once again I’m telling you the seriousness of the problem and that you must listen,” Duterte said late on Wednesday.
“My orders to the police and military … if there is trouble and there’s an occasion that they fight back and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead.”
“Is that understood? Dead.
“Instead of causing trouble, I will bury you,” he said.
The national police chief on Thursday said that police understood Duterte was demonstrating his seriousness about public order, adding that no one would actually be shot.
Reuters contributed to this report.
