ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ordered Monday the closure of bars, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters across the state in response to coronavirus.
Hogan said his executive order would go into effect Monday at 5 p.m. Drive-thru, carryout and delivery service will still be allowed.
“We have never faced anything like this before,” Hogan said during a news conference, where he announced other actions. “This is going to be much harder, take much longer and be much worse than almost anyone is currently understanding.”
Hogan also announced a prohibition on social, community, recreational or religious gatherings of more than 50 people in close proximity.
The governor said the state is planning to make up to 6,000 more hospital beds available, in part by reopening closed hospitals.
Hogan also ordered a prohibition on electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s services or charging any late fees during the current state of emergency in Maryland.
He also said the state will provide three meals a day and a snack to students who need it while schools are closed the next two weeks. Hogan said 138 distribution centers are already up and running.
Maryland has had 37 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The governor said people should expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise.
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