MD Casinos, Racetracks Ordered Closed By Gov. Hogan

MARYLAND — All of Maryland's five casinos, along with all of the state's racetracks and simulcast betting facilities, have been ordered closed by Gov. Larry Hogan in an effort to combat the coronavirus. Just a day earlier the leaders of the state's casinos agreed to drastically cut how many patrons would be allowed on gaming floors.

But on Sunday Hogan issued an emergency order to close all tracks and gaming facilities to the public indefinitely. “This situation continues to evolve and will escalate rapidly and dramatically,” Hogan said in a news release. “These are unprecedented actions in an extraordinary situation, but they could be the difference in saving lives and keeping people safe.”

The shutdown order takes effect at midnight on Monday, March 16, and will remain in effect until the state of emergency has been terminated or replace by other orders. Facilities affected by the order are:

• MGM National Harbor
• Live! Casino & Hotel
• Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
• Hollywood Casino Perryville
• Ocean Downs Casino
• Rocky Gap Casino Resort
• Laurel Park
• Pimlico Race Course
• Timonium Race Course
• Fair Hill Races
• Rosecroft Raceway
• Ocean Downs
• All simulcast betting facilities in the state

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MGM National Harbor will temporarily close operations by midnight Sunday, the company's president said.

“The health and wellbeing of our employees and guests are our most important priority. We will work hard to mitigate the impact this will have on our employees and communities,” said MGM chief operating officer and President Bill Hornbuckle. “We will reopen as soon as it is appropriate and safe to do so.”

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will work with casinos to facilitate their shutdown. The order does not apply to hotels adjacent to casinos.

Read the governor’s emergency order.

Hogan reminded Marylanders that the 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. “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.”

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus Cases Climb, State Breakdown By County
• MD Grocery Stores Cut Hours For Coronavirus Cleaning, Restocking
• Catholic Mass Canceled Until Further Notice: Baltimore Archbishop

For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

There are 31 confirmed cases of the virus in the state as of Sunday morning, an increase of five since Saturday. Officials say they will update the Maryland coronavirus case numbers each day at 10 a.m. Health authorities have not released specifics on where the patients live or their activities before they tested positive.

Even as the virus spreads in Maryland, health officials say that the majority of infected people will exhibit more mild symptoms.

The first three Marylanders to test positive have fully recovered from coronavirus, according to the health officer for Montgomery County, where they live. Several of those who have tested positive for the new coronavirus have also been described as asymptomatic.

Symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, coughing, shortness of breath and in more severe cases, pneumonia (lung infection).

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

Best practices for preventing the spread of the virus include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Stay home when you are sick. Call your health care provider first if symptoms are consistent with the new coronavirus.
• Stay away from crowds and keep distance between yourself and others.