Maryland State Police Clarify Stay-at-Home Order


Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Woodrow Jones III has directed troopers to continue their public education and enforcement efforts regarding the Governor’s Executive Orders and last night issued specific instructions regarding the stay-at-home order. Those instructions are as follows:

– Enforcement of the expanded Governor’s Executive Order will be conducted by Maryland state troopers. However, troopers will not make traffic stops simply to ask drivers where they are going to determine if their travel is essential or not.

– If, in the course of the regular performance of his/her duties, such as during a crash investigation or a traffic stop, the trooper develops information indicating the individual was engaged in non-essential travel, enforcement action can be taken, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office in that jurisdiction.

– While it is not necessary for drivers in Maryland to have documentation about the purpose of travel, having such documentation may help resolve questions.

– Troopers will continue to initiate enforcement action when a business or group of more than 10 people is observed in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order.

– The Order does not prohibit people from going to the store to get groceries or prescriptions, seeking medical attention at an urgent care facility, getting cleaning or laundry supplies. In addition, the Order does not prevent people from going out to get necessities for pets or other livestock.

– The Order allows for travel to care for a family member, friend, pets, etc. Citizens are also permitted to travel for transporting family, friends, pet or livestock for essential health and safety activities.

– The Order also allows for travel to and from an educational institution to receive meals or instructional materials for distance learning.

– The Order allows for outdoor exercise activities (done in accordance to with social distancing guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and crowd gatherings of 10 people or less. However, such actives may not be done at a park that has been closed by state or local government.

– Restaurants can be visited if obtaining food for carry-out or drive-thru only.

Hogan Signs Order for all Marylanders to Stay at Home


Governor Larry Hogan announced this morning that he signed an executive order where effective on Monday, March 30 at 8 p.m., Maryland is under a stay at home order. This order is to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Under this executive order, All Marylanders must stay at home if that are not considered essential personnel. Exceptions are being made for picking up medicine, groceries, or seeking urgent medical care. More information can be found at the Governor’s website https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gatherings-FOURTH-AMENDED-3.30.20.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0j4dxy-ZvQji8tAR8Py9OUGFOov18sM06rOzOwINnNtujp7tt3HZITMy4.

Gov. Hogan explained this executive order is needed because the amount of deaths from the coronavirus has tripled from 5 to 15 over the weekend. There are 1,413 cases in Maryland and 186 reported cases in Baltimore County.

Over the weekend, there was a reported case of COVID 19 at Oak Crest Senior Living Community in Parkville.

Social Distancing Not Being Practiced at Local Parks?


With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many social restrictions in place in Baltimore County and Maryland.

Among those regulations are a ban on the usage of playgrounds and no more than 10 people may gather in a group.

With warmer temperatures arriving, many people are starting to venture out and have been spotted at local parks. According to Baltimore County, parks are still open and are permitted for usage. However; the rule for gatherings of less than 10 people is still in effect and there have been concerns that rule is being violated at parks.

There were reports on the Parkville and Perry Hall social media community pages of an abundance of visitors to multiple parks in the region. Some of the parks mentioned on the sites were Double Rock Park in Parkville, Honeygo Park in Perry Hall and the fields of Perry Hall and Towson High Schools.

Some of these reported gatherings included soccer games, basketball games and a large crowd on school tracks on Friday afternoon. Fifth District Baltimore County Councilman David Mark’s expressed disapproval of these big groups.

“This afternoon, I received separate complaints about large crowds at the Perry Hall and Towson High School athletic complexes. The police have also received the same complaints,” Marks said on Friday.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was critical of large crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival and at the Boardwalk in Ocean City last weekend. The Town of Ocean City closed down the Boardwalk last week. Marks stated he is fearful that local parks and fields could be shut down next if people don’t use social distancing.

“This is not the time for sports practices and games. We are very close, in my opinion, to these facilities and others being shut down – which unfortunately hurts everyone, including those who use these fields in small groups spaced apart,” Marks said on social media.

Police Offer Tips to Prevent COVID-19 Scams


The Baltimore County Police Department knows that scammers are out there looking for new ways to take your money. The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is another opportunity for them to steal from the public.

Follow these simple tips to avoid being a victim of a scam.
As the government works on an economic relief package to send money, scammers are sending texts and emails telling the public how to receive this money. Don’t listen to them. As of today, checks haven’t being sent out. Don’t be scammed by speaking with people who tell you they can get money to you sooner. Until the details are finalized, money won’t be distributed.

Don’t click on unfamiliar links. If you do, a virus or malware could be downloaded on your computer.
You might receive false emails from scammers claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The message might say they have new and updated information about the virus. Don’t trust these messages. If you want to get the most accurate information, go online and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO),or Baltimore County Government for resources available to residents.

Beware of online offers of medicines to ease symptoms or cure the virus. There are no vaccines, pills, potions or other “miracle” drugs at this time. The CDC and other organizations are working together on this and, rest assured, we will hear when something is available.

Stay away from charities that contact you either by phone or online for a donation, even those that say they represent a well-known organization. No legitimate, charitable organization will ask for donations in the form of cash, gift cards or by wire. Do your research before making a donation. If you want to donate money for a good cause, visit Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to learn more about the charity before doing so.

Your phones, either cellphone or landlines, are places for scammers to trick you into giving personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers use illegal robocalls to illicit information from victims. The FTC advises that some callers, often a recording, ask the victim to press a telephone button that will allow them to talk to a live operator. Doing this could land you on a call list for future robocalls.

If you think you may have been scammed, contact the Baltimore County Police Department’s Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 410-887-2190.

Maryland Schools To Remain Closed Until April 24


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State School Superintendent Karen Salmon announced on Wednesday morning that Maryland public schools would remain closed until at least Friday, April 24 because of COVID-19. The earliest schools could open is Monday, April 27.

Schools have already been closed for the coronavirus pandemic since March 16 and were set to be closed until March 27 before the latest extension. Baltimore County Public Schools scheduled to have their Spreak Break from April 4 to April 13 and for their school year to end on Monday, June 22.

Four people have died from the coronavirus in the state and Maryland has taken other steps to stop the spread of the virus. Hogan had issued an executive order on Monday for nonessential businesses to close.

Family Not Permitted to Ride in Medic Units


Effective immediately, Baltimore County Fire Department medic units and ambulances will not allow family members to ride with patients to local hospitals. This change is necessary because all Baltimore area hospitals have limited or completely restricted visitor access as a safety measure during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

In rare instances and depending on the patient’s circumstances, BCoFD will transport a family member with the understanding that the family member will remain outside the hospital, pending direction by hospital staff.

BCoFD appreciates the public’s patience as we work through these tough times.

Hogan Orders Nonessential Businesses to Close


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued an order for nonessential businesses to close on Monday starting at 5 p.m. These is in response to stop the coronavirus pandemic.

There is no shutdown or curfew at this time.

There has been some confusion on what is businesses are nonessential vs. essential so the Governor’s office has released a document with clarification.

OLC Interpretive Guidance COVID19-04

Baltimore County Resident Dies from COVID-19


Governor Larry Hogan has reported that the first person from Baltimore County and second person in Maryland has died as a result of the coronavirus. The person was described as a Baltimore County resident in his 60s who suffered from underlying medical conditions. Hogan released this statement.

“A second Marylander has lost his life as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. On behalf of our entire state, we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all those who loved him,” Hogan said.

“As the number of positive cases in Maryland continues to dramatically rise, we need everyone to take this seriously. This is a public health crisis like nothing we have ever faced before—we are all in this together, and we will get through this together.”

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr., also released a statement about the passing of the first Baltimore County resident to COVID-19.

“My prayers are with all those who lost a loved one tonight. This sad passing is a stark reminder of the seriousness of the crisis we face, and it breaks my heart to know that this will not be the last life we lose to this pandemic,” Olszewski said.

“That is why, even as we grieve, we also each need to do our part to reduce the spread and flatten the curve. Stay home. Practice social distancing. Those failing to do their part only add to the toll this crisis will take. We can save lives, but only if we take this seriously and continue to work together.”

According Maryland.gov, there have been 149 cases of COVID-19 and 13 cases in Baltimore County. A Prince George’s County man, also in his 60s, was the first death in Maryland.

County Creates “BaltCo To-Go Map” for Carry Out Restaurants


As Baltimore County continues to identify ways to assist residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced new resources to help residents locate food distribution sites and identify County restaurants offering food pickup, carry out and delivery services.

“As we continue to respond to this rapidly evolving situation, we have to make sure our residents can access fundamental necessities—especially food,” Olszewski said.

“We will continue to work around the clock to identify additional resources to provide food security for Baltimore County families during this challenging time.”

The new Food Distribution Sites Map has information about locations offering free meals for youth throughout the County. It includes locations operated by both the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks PAL centers and Baltimore County Public Schools. Users can search for locations closest to where they live. The map will be updated as additional food resources become available for youth and other populations.

The County has also unveiled an online form to allow restaurants to self-report whether they are offering services during this time. Restaurant operators can share their location and what services they are providing, and the data collected will populate an interactive online map that residents can search. The BaltCo To-Go Map is online here.