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Courtesy of WBALTV 11 News
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — An executive order announced Monday by Gov. Larry Hogan enacts major developments to prevent the spread of coronavirus across the state, including closing many public places and prohibiting canceling public services.
At the advice of top doctors and senior leaders, Hogan announced the following:
Social Distancing
- An executive order has been made to shut down all bars, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters, effectively starting at 5 p.m. Monday. Drive through and carry out services will be allowed to continue.
- Following CDC guidelines, settings of 50 of more individuals will be prohibited across the state, including social and recreational events and religious and sports gatherings.
Health Surge
- Closed health facilities are being asked to reopen and state will increase the capacity of beds by 6,000.
- Practitioners with out-of-state licenses will be allowed to practice in Maryland
- Personnel Capacity: Activating the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps–a force of 5,000 dedicated and trained medical volunteers. 700 have already been activated.
Relief to Residents and Families
- Essential services such as grocery stores, banks and gas stations will be allowed to remain open.
- The executive order prohibits utilities, such as electric, gas, water, sewage, cable, internet and phone lines, to be cut off nor incur late fees.
- Evictions have been prohibited.
- Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon has applied for a Federal waiver to provide three meals a day plus a snack to those who need it. Statewide, 138 centers already up and operating. Visit MDSummerMeals.org to find all participating locations.
Activation of Additional Personnel
- 250 State Troopers of the Mobile Field Force have been made ready for deployment.
- 1,000 Maryland National Guard members and airmen have been fully activated, while 1200 are on enhanced readiness.
Hogan reiterated that all emergency orders incur the full force of the law.
“It is impossible to know how long this threat will continue. I do know we cannot afford to wait,” Hogan said.
Salmon said starting Thursday, daycare centers will be opened for emergency personnel. Daycare center workers are being asked to keep groups under 10 and to keep up with extra cleaning procedures.
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