Dear Friend:
After weeks of monitoring the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, we are now seeing the virus affect our state and communities. The Maryland General Assembly, the Governor and all state agencies are unified in the effort to keep residents safe in the wake of this public health threat.
Public health research shows, the more steps we can take right now to prevent transmission, the better off Marylanders will be. Out of an abundance of caution, Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that Maryland will continue to operate under a state of emergency and will take additional precautionary measures to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) has fully operationalized to mobilize all state resources.
Beginning on Monday, March 16, all schools throughout Maryland will close through Friday, March 27, 202
A mandatory telework policy for all non-essential state employees is effect.
Access to the House and Senate Office buildings and Legislative Services will be restricted to credentialed personnel.
Mass gatherings and events of 250 or more people are cancelled or postponed.
Senior activity centers will be closed.
The cruise ship terminal at the Port of Baltimore will be closed in the coming days.
The National Guard has been activated to respond if the need arises.
While the virus will cause some disruption to legislators’ normal schedules, the General Assembly will remain in session to finish critical bills and fulfill our Constitutional duties. State agencies will also continue to develop comprehensive and coordinated prevention and response plans for the coronavirus.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check Maryland Department of Health websites and follow their Twitter and Facebook pages for real-time updates:
Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Resources
Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Information for Older Adults
We encourage all residents to remain calm and take preventive steps to protect yourself and your families. Preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds and flu include:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available,
Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow,
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices,
Avoid touching your face,
Avoid close contact with people who are sick,
And staying home if you are sick, except when seeking medical care.
If you do experience any symptoms such as fever over 100.4 degrees, coughing, or shortness of breath, please contact your primary care physician or call 2-1-1 for assistance.
The health and safety of every Marylander is our number one priority, and we’re taking a few extra, but necessary precautions to ensure that all of our residents are safe. As this very unusual situation continues to evolve, we will continue to take the appropriate steps to protect the well-being of all our residents and provide updates.
As always, feel free to contact my office in Annapolis any time. Please e-mail constituent issues to lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us.
Onward,
Lorig Charkoudian