Hogan issues stay-at-home order for Md.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued a stay-at-home order, which took effect for Marylanders at 8 p.m. on Monday.
“This is a deadly public health crisis — we are no longer asking
or suggesting that Marylanders stay home, we are directing them to do so,”
Hogan said at a Monday press conference. “No Maryland resident should be
leaving their home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason
such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for
other necessary purposes.”
The order will be enforced by state and local law enforcement,
Hogan said.
According to a press release posted
on Monday after the press conference; to violate this order “knowingly and
willfully” constitutes a misdemeanor crime, with a conviction carrying a
potential penalty of imprisonment not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding
$5,000 or both.
The press release clarifies this order does not change which
businesses are classified as essential, so restaurants “may continue selling
food and drink on a carry-out or drive-through basis.” However, because
residents of Maryland are no longer permitted to leave their homes to purchase
products from nonessential businesses, curbside pick-up at nonessential
businesses is no longer permitted.
Published at Tue, 31 Mar 2020 03:09:48 +0000