Governor Larry Hogan has extended the list of closures related to COVID-19.

In a bid to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 or coronavirus, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has ordered all non-essential businesses to close by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020. The governor announced the closure in his daily press conference along with new executive orders and measures to help small businesses and the unemployed in Maryland. The order excludes essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and restaurants utilizing takeout and delivery.

The governor said he is taking more action to prevent spread and cordon off those residents who are still going out. He also stopped short of calling this a "shelter in place" order.

“We are telling all Marylanders to follow all of the directives we've already issued and to follow state law against crowds of more than 10 people," said Hogan. “And we are telling you unless you have an essential reason to leave your house, then you should stay in your homes."

The list of businesses that can remain open is still quite large. For instance, you can still go to a hardware or big box home improvement store, have an HVAC repairman come to your house, and hire landscapers to come work on your lawn. 

The State of Maryland is also calling on manufacturers to produce much-needed personal protective gear like gowns, masks and gloves. The Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund will disperse up to $5 million to local manufacturers willing to produce this equipment. 

For workers displaced by closing businesses, the Maryland Department of Labor is waiving certain requirements for receiving unemployment compensation. Officials said Marylanders can apply immediately and will get a response within two days of filing a claim. 

Goes this order affect your business? Tell us in the comments!