HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As the increasing number of new coronavirus cases prompts Maryland authorities to ask people to practice social distancing, the Howard County Recreation and Parks Department has shut down all county park gates. However, people wanting fresh air and a stroll in nature are allowed in the parks via access walking paths, the department said.

"Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming popularity of our parks these past couple of days, the decision was made yesterday evening to close all county park gates. Over the last two days, recreation and parks staff have been monitoring our parks to see how they are being used. What we have observed is that while enjoying our parks, the social distancing practices we've been instructed to follow by federal, state and local health officers are not being followed," the department posted on its Facebook page. For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

