The only exceptions will be for carry-out, delivery, and drive-thru restaurants.

Governor Larry Hogan has announced the forced closure of all restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters in Maryland effective at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020. This follows closures of schools, government buildings, and casinos across the state in the battle against the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19. The only exception is for food carryout, drive-thru, and delivery. No word on when these businesses would be allowed to reopen.

Over the weekend Hogan warned Marylanders to stay home but felt too many were ignoring the warnings, putting people in danger. He admits the closures will be a hardship on the community.

“We’re being more aggressive, I think, than some people. [But} By these actions, we’re going to stop the spread and we’re going to save lives. We have never faced anything like this before," Hogan said. “It is going to "be much worse than anyone is currently understanding."

CDC Reducing the spread of disease diagram, courtesy Joe Andrucyk, Patrick Siebert

As of Monday, March 16, Maryland had reported a total of 37 cases of COVID-19. The governor also activated 250 Maryland State Troopers to assist local governments and asked local medical officials to examine whether or not closed medical facilities totaling 6,000 beds could be reopened to handle patient overflow. The governor also put a directive in place recommended by the CDC that prohibits gatherings of 50 people or more for social, religious, sports, or community events. People and businesses that ignore this order will be subject to fines and/ or imprisonment. He emphasized that essential businesses like banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations will remain open.

Some restaurants and retail businesses had already announced voluntary closures over the weekend as the governor ordered racetracks, casinos, and betting sites to close by midnight on March 16, 2020. Employees and small businesses can find resources on unemployment insurance, family leave, and financial assistance by visiting the state’s coronavirus resource page.