Maryland all nonessential businesses ordered to close by Gov. Larry Hogan

Update: The governor's administration amended its interpretive guidance on essential businesses. As of Tuesday, March 24, car dealerships can remain open, but should practice social distancing and be mindful of the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people.

Continuing rigorous countermeasures in Maryland's fight against further spread of the novel coronavirus, Gov. Larry Hogan announced an executive order closing all nonessential businesses.

His order does not restrict residents from leaving their homes.

Essential businesses providing medical care, as well as food providers and groceries, will be permitted to remain open. Other businesses unaffected include lodging and hotels, home-improvement supply stores, laundry services, self storage, large manufacturers — among others.

The governor did not share any changes or mandatory closures on day cares in the state.

Car dealerships, clothing stores, performing arts companies, salons, and schools are among the many nonessential activities ordered to shut down by the governor. Restaurants will be allowed to continue carryout and delivery business, and liquor stores will remain open.

See Hogan's order at the bottom of this report.

This order will go into effect by 5 p.m. Monday.

"Unfortunately there are still many people not taking this seriously," Hogan said. "Because of this irresponsible and reckless behavior, even further and more aggressive actions will be taken by state and local authorities to disperse these gatherings."

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This move echos some measures taken by other Northeast states — including Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania — to limit nonessential businesses amid growing COVID-19 numbers; however, Hogan did not announce a stay-at-home order similar to these states.

As of Monday 9:30 a.m., data from Johns Hopkins University showed over 35,000 cases of COVID-19 in the United States — up nearly 2,000 from Sunday evening.

At 10 a.m. Monday, Maryland reported 288 cases, located in 21 of the 24 jurisdictions, with three deaths in total. That represented a 678% increase over the weekend in positive cases.

Hogan said the state has begun to "drastically" increase the amount of testing in the state, which plays into the rise in number of cases.

Orders like this are geared toward mitigating the case spikes being seen across the nation, as hospital capabilities remain a key concern amid possible surge.

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In his administration's plan to see 6,000 more beds across Maryland, Hogan said 900 beds have been made immediately available, expecting an additional 1,400 by early April.

Hogan shared that plans are underway to establish field hospital at the Baltimore Convention Center.

He also announced an emergency order authorizing a fast-track process to increase testing capacity without FDA approval — looking to shorten what would otherwise be a lengthy process to up testing capacity.

Economic relief amid closures

Hogan also announced some planned economic relief.

The Maryland Department of Commerce will offer up to $125 million in loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofits through the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund — this includes a $75 million loan fund and a $50 million grant fund, with $1 million in grants dedicated to nonprofits, and will provide working capital to be used for payroll, rent, fixed-debt payments and other operating costs.

With reportedly no waiting period in Maryland, the governor said unemployment insurance has been ramped up. And a COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund launched today, an additional $7 million becoming available to help businesses maintain employees.

More information on these and all announced resources can be found online.

Officials also announced funds incentivizing production of increasingly required equipment like ventilators and personal protection. Business with important supplies were encouraged to email resource.mema@maryland.gov.

"To my fellow Marylanders, let me say that I know how incredibly difficult this is on each and every one of you. There is a great deal of fear and anxiety, and the truth is that none of us really no how bad it's really going to get or how long it's going to last," Hogan said.

"We are all in this together, and together we will get through this."