State Of Emergency Declared In Annapolis Due To Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley has signed a city declaration of state of emergency. The declaration allows the city to activate the office of emergency management and to render and request mutual aid from other jurisdictions.

"Given the spread of COVID-19 and the increasing number of cases in Maryland, we are moving from a containment strategy (targeted efforts to limit the spread of the virus by specific individuals) toward a mitigation strategy (broad efforts to limit the spread within the population)," said Buckley in a statement.

At this time, city public meetings and public events are canceled. Per directive from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, events in the city (both city-sponsored and private events) that will attract a crowd of larger than 250 people are canceled. As of Monday, to coincide with Anne Arundel County Public Schools closures, all city buildings will be closed to the public. City government will continue to function and city staff should report for work. Any alternate work arrangements, if necessary, for city staff should be worked out through department directors.

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The following city offices will be closed to the public starting Monday:

• Pip Moyer Recreation Center and Stanton Center – closed to the public.
• Finance Counter at City Hall – closed to the public. Please submit payments online or through the U.S. Postal Service.
• Alcoholic Beverage and Events Permits at City Hall – closed to the public.
• Permit Counter in Planning and Zoning at Gorman Street – closed to the public.

High risk populations should avoid public meetings as much as possible. These include the elderly and those with chronic disease and underlying health conditions.

In addition to the above guidelines, city staff will be restricted from out-of-state travel, except in matters of emergency preparedness. City staff should attempt to cancel or postpone in-person meetings to the greatest extent possible. Meetings that can’t be postponed should be conducted by virtual meeting. City staff and the public should promote social distancing in the workplace and in-person meetings.

Health officials ask that people practice healthy hygiene habits that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. These habits include:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you are sick, stay home.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.