Bel Air Cautions Public About Large Events

BEL AIR, MD — As temperatures were in the 60s Thursday and with St. Patrick's Day approaching, the town of Bel Air issued guidance for residents and visitors about attending social events. Within hours, the state of Maryland had followed suit, with the governor ordering the cancellation of events with more than 250 people.

"Given the concern with the rapid spread of the coronavirus nationwide, the Commissioners of the Town of Bel Air are asking that you use discretion in deciding whether to attend or not attend any event," the town of Bel Air said in a statement Thursday, March 12.

"Be aware that large gatherings are a concern," the statement said. "Should anyone attend any large gathering in Town, use every precaution regarding personal contact, personal hygiene and social distancing; especially those at higher risk, to include older adults and people with serious chronic underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and/or lung disease.”

Bel Air issued its guidance before 3 p.m.

Gov. Larry Hogan issued more specific directions during a press conference after 4 p.m. about the new coronavirus situation. No gatherings of more than 250 people will be allowed in the state until further notice, and such events must cancel or postpone, Hogan said.

Related: MD Coronavirus: Public Schools To Close, National Guard Activated

One of the ways the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests communities limit the spread of the disease is through social distancing, which calls for avoiding mass gatherings, keeping about 6 feet between people and staying out of groups in limited proximity when possible.

Here is the full statement regarding large gatherings in Bel Air:

The Town of Bel Air is the site of a number of large gatherings for social events and activities beginning this evening and into the spring and summer months, and given the concern with the rapid spread of the coronavirus nationwide, the Commissioners of the Town of Bel Air are asking that you use discretion in deciding whether to attend or not attend any event; but, that if you do attend any event, be aware that large gatherings are a concern. Should anyone attend any large gathering in Town, use every precaution regarding personal contact, personal hygiene and social distancing; especially those at higher risk, to include older adults and people with serious chronic underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and/or lung disease.

We are asking everyone to be patient, positive and pro-active as we go about our daily lives and please know that the Town of Bel Air is taking every measure and precaution necessary to keep all of us safe and secure as we go about our daily lives. But we are also asking that you take all precautions regarding the coronavirus seriously. By working together, we will get through this pandemic with the least possible impact on our citizens, our businesses and our Town. For more information about the coronavirus, please visit the Harford County Health Department Website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com.

L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator