Governor Hogan has also put the National Guard on alert and is limiting public gatherings.

The State of Maryland is putting some drastic measures in place in the battle against the coronavirus. In a press conference at the Statehouse today in Annapolis, Governor Larry Hogan issued a state of emergency and announced restrictions and closures across the state. The governor has also activated the National Guard, closed school for two weeks, limited gatherings and events, and closed government buildings.

All public schools in Maryland will be closed from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon will be working with school districts to help parents cope with childcare and meal replacement during the closure. Dr. Salmon also said parents should be prepared for kids to attend school during the scheduled spring break in April.

Governor Hogan at the Emergency Command Center, Mar. 11, 2020, courtesy Patrick Siebert

Governor Hogan has activated the National Guard to help assist local governments if needed and closed the Port of Baltimore to cruise ships. All non-essential state employees have been ordered to telecommute, and the Statehouse will be closed to the public. All state prisons will be closed to visitors to protect the inmates, employees, and families.

Marylanders will also have to adjust to restrictions on events, public gatherings, and hospital visitations. All events including sports and religious activities with over 250 people are prohibited. Senior centers will be closed, and nursing homes will be closed to visitors. Hospitals and healthcare centers are also being asked to restrict visitors. Governor Hogan is also asking all Marylanders to stay home if they are sick and to practice social distancing.

Maryland currently has 12 confirmed cases of coronavirus, three of which have completely recovered.