Traditionally, the term "shelter in place" has been used in the context of natural disasters like tornadoes or events like terrorist attacks. Literally, it means: Stay wherever you are, such as your workplace, a shop or at home, until the threat is gone. Now, the term is morphing to also mean: Stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some areas – states, cities or counties – have issued shelter-in-place orders, urging people to stay home to help prevent the spread of disease.

The definition of this term can vary, but in the COVID-19 context, it generally means staying home except to buy essentials such as food, gas or medicine, and minimizing contact with people outside of your immediate household.

A rare, often mandatory order that requires individuals to remain at home unless obtaining basic necessities (like food, medicine) or receiving/conducting medical care. Exceptions, such as the ability to go on a walk for exercise, vary by location.