MD General Assembly Will Not Reconvene In May Due To Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland General Assembly with not reconvene for a special session in May due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement was made on Monday by Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones.

"This decision to not meet in May was not taken lightly," Ferguson said in a statement. "This is a matter of balancing the safety of staff, legislators and the public, while ensuring that Legislators can continue their daily focus on serving their constituents and public in battling this virus, and preparing for the Recovery effort."

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

Maryland reported its first three cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, on March 5. As of Monday morning, 13,684 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus statewide. The state's death toll now stands at 516.

Because of COVID-19, the General Assembly adjourned on March 18 — nearly three weeks before Sine Die. It was the first time the legislature had adjourned early since the Civil War.

Initially, leaders said they would likely return to Annapolis for a special session during the final week in May. That is no longer the case.

While not in session, Jones said legislators will be working to help their constituents through the public health crisis.

"After consulting with health experts, this is the best course of action at this time. We will get through this together — with every branch of government working as a team until we can safely return," Jones said.

SEE ALSO:

• MD Buys 500K Coronavirus Tests From South Korea: Hogan
• Reopen Maryland Protest Illustrates Divide Over Coronavirus
  
• MD Coronavirus: 4 Ways To Make Face Masks