Hogan Issues a Stay-at-Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Maryland surpasses the 1,400 mark, Governor Larry Hogan has issued a lockdown effective 8 PM Monday, March 30. 

In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, a “Stay-at-Home” order will be enforced, closing all nonessential businesses, restricting nonessential travel and keeping all gatherings to a maximum of 10 people. It is important to note that this is not a “Shelter-in-Place” order. 

Acceptable reasons for departing one’s home include grocery shopping or picking up food; obtaining supplies for working and/or learning at home; seeking medical attention or obtaining medical supplies; caring for a family member, friend, or animal in another home; court-ordered travel or travel required by law enforcement officers; and traveling to and from government facilities for necessary purposes. 

Leaving one’s home to exercise is also permitted, but no physical activity may be conducted in groups of more than 10 people and participants must maintain social distancing guidelines as defined by the Center for Disease Control. 

During this time, essential facilities including, but not limited to, grocery stores, pharmacies, pet supply stores, restaurants (for carry-out or delivery), hardware stores, banks, governmental facilities, and post offices will remain open. The State of Maryland is following Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidelines to determine which sectors of industry are essential. The CISA guidelines can be found here: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA_Guidance_on_the_Essential_Critical_Infrastructure_Workforce_Version_2.0_Updated.pdf. Places like malls, movie theaters, beauty salons, et cetera will remain closed. 

Residents are advised to not leave the state unless absolutely necessary, and that if they do, they should quarantine themselves for 14 days upon their return. 

Marylanders who fail to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Stay-at-Home order risk fines and/or jail time.