Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order on March 12th that allowed up to 50 people in public gatherings. Today, things changed as the numbers went up.
New Executive Order - Amended
The order was amended on the morning of March 16th, changing the limit of people down to 10 people. Restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters, & bingo halls were specifically mentioned in the new executive order.
“Despite all of our repeated warnings for weeks and despite the rapid escalation of this virus across our state, the region, the nation and the world, some people are treating this like a vacation, or a spring break with parties and cookouts and large gatherings at some of our parks,” Hogan said, ” Let me be very clear: if you are engaged in this type of activity, you are in violation of state law and you are endangering the lives of your fellow Marylanders.”
Thursday, March 19th, beginning at 5PM, the executive order closes all enclosed malls and entertainment venues across Maryland, effectively taking away free movement of the civilians to those public places.
Limited Access & Movement Restricted
Hogan also announced Maryland Department of Transportation would be restricting access to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Only ticketed passengers and badged airport employees will be permitted to access the terminal.
Violation of the new order is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year imprisonment and up to a $5000 fine - a violator can be slapped in the face with both penalties by the hand of the Maryland law.
"I know that the actions we've been taking may seem extreme and they may seem frightening, but as I said before, they are absolutely necessary to save lives," he said.
Unlike New York and other states, Hogan stated they will not be releasing prisoners from their state prisons.“They’re safer where they are.” He said.
The governor is also signing an order allowing for delivery and carry-out sales of alcohol.
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