MD Governor Has Message For Those In Crowded Bars

MARYLAND — The governor of Maryland has a message for people at bars this weekend that attracted large crowds. If they were planning to be around people over age 60 or with underlying health conditions, they should cancel those plans.

"Anyone who hosts or is part of the crowds in bars this weekend is jeopardizing the health of others and must avoid any contact with family members or friends over the age of 60 or those with underlying health conditions," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Sunday.

So far, 32 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Maryland, officials reported Sunday.

Those who are most at risk are individuals with compromised immune systems and the elderly.

Symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, coughing, shortness of breath and in more severe cases, pneumonia (lung infection). The illness can lead to anything from respiratory illness to death. Some in Maryland who tested positive for the illness had mild symptoms or none at all.

For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

Once Maryland reported its first case of community transmission, the governor on Thursday ordered all gatherings of 250 people or more canceled, one of a series of actions statewide to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Community transmission means the illness has spread without the person knowing how or where they became infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before community transmission, cases of those with the novel coronavirus had been linked to travel or exposure to someone with COVID-19.

Hogan said he wants to "take every precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our state," as he announced the two-week closure of public schools starting Monday and the activation of the National Guard, among other measures.

Hogan reminded Marylanders Sunday that failure to follow his order prohibiting large gatherings is a crime and will be enforced if businesses fail to comply.

"It is critical to public health and safety that bars, restaurants and other businesses across the state comply with the law," Hogan said.

Violating the order is a misdemeanor that could result in a fine up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to one year.

Baltimore’s popular St. Patrick’s Day parade was postponed from its planned March 15 date as a safety measure against the spread of the coronavirus, as were parades planned for the weekend in Gaithersburg and Ocean City. But fans of the holiday still gathered in bars. St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday. According to Nielsen, St. Patrick's Day is typically the highest grossing day of the year for U.S. bars and restaurants.

The governor on Sunday ordered Maryland's five casinos and the state's racetracks to close at midnight to stem the coronavirus spread. They will remain closed until further notice.

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus Cases Climb To 32: Here's Where They Are
• MD Casinos, Racetracks Ordered Closed By Gov. Hogan
• MD Coronavirus: No Parades, Schools Close, Feeding Kids, Scams
• MD Coronavirus: Public Schools To Close, Spring Break Changes

Visit the Maryland Department of Health's coronavirus page or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's coronavirus disease situation summary for additional information.