Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who chairs the National Governors Association, talks about initiatives and funding Maryland is making available to help small businesses and employees hurt by the coronavirus’ impact on the economy during a news conference in Annapolis, Md., on Monday, March 23, 2020. Hogan also discussed plans to ask the federal government for more direct financial aid to the states in a conference call Monday with the White House. Kelly Schulz, the secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce is standing left, and Tiffany Robinson, secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, is standing right. (AP Photo/Brian Witte)

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (WDVM) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced all Maryland public schools will remain closed for the next four weeks, through April 24, 2020.

Hogan has requested a presidential disaster declaration. This request will help to provide funding for state and local governments, along with non-profits for any important initiatives.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, there are currently 423 positive cases of COVID-19 and four deaths in Maryland.

Hogan urges Marylanders to follow the recent CDC guidelines when it comes to returning from travel in potentially high-risk areas. The CDC recommends taking the following steps to limit the spread of COVID-19:

“Stay home for 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 travel Health Notice countries) and practice social distancing.”

Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also, watch for a cough or trouble breathing. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

All Marylanders are advised to practice social distancing. Social distancing is a way to keep people from interacting closely or frequently enough to spread an infectious disease, and can include the following habits and steps: