Today I announced additional actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland. They may sound extreme, and they will be terribly disruptive, but they are also absolutely necessary to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Details here: governor.maryland.gov/2020/03/16/gov…
I have ordered the closure of all bars and restaurants in the state, as well as fitness centers, spas, and theaters, effective at 5:00 p.m. today. The order allows for restaurants to continue carry-out, drive-thru, and delivery services.
Effective immediately, gatherings of more than 50 people, including social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings, are prohibited at all locations and venues. These emergency orders carry the full force of law & will be strictly enforced.
We are marshaling every tool in the arsenal of public health to combat this crisis. I have issued an omnibus public health order that includes increasing hospital capacity, activating the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, & lifting restrictions on healthcare practitioners.
I am prohibiting utility providers from shutting off any residential customer’s service or charging any residential late fees, and prohibiting Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19.
At the direction of Major General Timothy Gowen, as of Monday, 1,000 @MDNG soldiers and airmen are fully activated and another 1,200 guardsmen are currently in a state of enhanced readiness.
It is impossible to know how long this threat will continue. What I do know is that we cannot afford to wait to take action.
For updates on our administration’s actions, visit governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
For health resources, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.
For updates on our administration’s actions, visit governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
For health resources, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.
