Forum About Coronavirus Impact On MD Economy Postponed

MARYLAND — State Comptroller Peter Franchot has postponed the forum about the economic impact of the new coronavirus that had been scheduled to be live-streamed March 24. The forum has been canceled after Gov. Hogan's executive order was issued limited social gatherings to no more than 10 people and the closure of entertainment venues.

"While the economic impact of this pandemic is extremely important, our first priority is protecting public health and heeding calls to practice social distancing," said Franchot in a statement. "The possibility that further restrictions on non-essential and non-emergency travel may be put into place makes it prudent that we hit the pause button and look to reschedule an in-person forum once the state of emergency concludes."

Once rescheduled, the forum, hosted by Franchot and the Schaefer Center for Public Policy, will bring together state health officials, fiscal experts and business leaders to discuss the growing impact that the coronavirus is having on the state and national economy.

"All indications are that we remain in the early stages of this public health crisis and the situation will worsen," said Franchot. "With restaurants and retailers already being forced to scale back or close, employees being laid off or having their hours curtailed and small business owners facing financial ruin or drastically altered financial outlooks, it's already clear that the economic impact will be severe."

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