All persons living in the State of Maryland, effective as of 8:00 p.m. on March 30, 2020, must generally stay in their homes or places of residences (“Homes”) except to perform “essential activities” or to assist those businesses who are not required to close under this Order. This Order shall remain in effect until the Governor lifts the state of emergency caused by the pandemic.
Stay at Home Order
Maryland Residents must stay in their homes, except they may leave for the following circumstances:
- to conduct or participate in “Essential Activities” (defined below);
- staff and owners of businesses and organizations that are not required to close pursuant to paragraph IV or paragraph V below may travel: (1) between their Homes and those businesses and organizations; and (2) to and from customers for the purpose of delivering goods or performing services; and
- staff and owners of Non-Essential Businesses may travel: (1) between their Homes and those Non-Essential Businesses for the purpose of engaging in Minimal Operations; and (2) to and from customers for the purpose of delivering goods.
Essential Activities Includes the Following:
- Obtaining necessary supplies or services for one’s self, family, household members, pets, or livestock, including, without limitation: groceries, supplies for household consumption or use, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, laundry, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential maintenance of the home or residence;
- Engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of one’s self, family, household members, pets, or livestock, including such things as seeking medical or behavior health or emergency services, and obtaining medication or medical supplies;
- Caring for a family member, friend, pet, or livestock in another household or location, including, without limitation, transporting a family member, friend, pet, or livestock animal for essential health and safety activities, and to obtain necessary supplies and services;
- Traveling to and from an educational institution for purposes of receiving meals or instructional materials for distance learning;
- Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking, but only in compliance with paragraph III below and applicable social distancing guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Maryland Department of Health (“MDH”);
- Travel required by a law enforcement officer or court order; or
- Traveling to and from a federal, State, or local government building for a necessary purpose.
Non-Essential Businesses that Must Close
- Senior Centers;
- Restaurants and Bars (except for carry out, drive through, and delivery services);
- Fitness Centers;
- Malls;
- Theaters;
- Recreational Facilities; and
- Personal care businesses (i.e., barber shops, beauty or nail salons, & tanning salons).
In addition, social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events (“large gatherings and events”) of more than ten (10) people are prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of the state of emergency and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency has been rescinded.
A person who knowingly and willfully violates the Governor’s “stay at home” Order is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
For more information about this announcement, click on this link where you will find the full text of the Governor’s Order.
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