Additional Measures Taken in Maryland to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Ocean City, Maryland – (March 23, 2020): Gov. Larry Hogan enacted an executive order today, March 23, to close all non-essential businesses, organizations, establishments, and facilities in Maryland. The order, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. today, is NOT a ‘shelter in place’ directive, although it does urge Marylanders to remain home to the greatest extent possible.

In addition to those businesses that have already been closed by prior executive orders, including movie theaters, gyms and casinos, this new executive order closes all those businesses NOT covered by the federal guidelines. Business NOT included in the order are lodging businesses, grocery stores and healthcare facilities. A full list can be found at www.governor.maryland.gov.

“We are doing everything in our power to protect the health and safety of our citizens, but everyone has a critical role to play,” Mayor Meehan continued. “We all have to work together to do whatever we can to mount our only known defense against this common enemy and that is to practice extreme measures of social distancing. We are taking these drastic steps to shorten the duration of this health crisis. If every single person steps up and does their part by making sacrifices now, it will slow the spread of this virus and help us flatten the curve.”

Further updates from the Town of Ocean can be found at: www.oceancitymd.gov/covid19.

If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. To protect yourselves and others, wash your hands often, cover cough/sneezes, clean and disinfect surfaces, and stay home if sick. For more information on Coronavirus and prevention tips, visit WorcesterHealth.org or call 410-632-1100 option #8 to connect to our call center (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). For COVID-19 information in the State of Maryland, please dial 211.

UPDATE #7

March 23, 2020 – 3:30 p.m.