'This Is Not The Flu. It's Not Fake News' | Gov. Larry Hogan Pleads With Marylanders To Help Prevent The Spread Of COVID
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan implored residents to take the actions needed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as the state saw more than 2,000 new cases for the second day this month.
"This is not the flu. It's not fake news. It's not going to magically disappear just because we're all tired of it and we want our normal lives back," Hogan said during a press conference Tuesday. "We are in a war right now and the virus is winning."
MORE FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE:
- COVID In Maryland: Gov. Hogan To Restrict Indoor Capacity To 50%, Restaurants To Close By 10 p.m. Effective Friday
- COVID-19 Latest: All Hospital, Nursing Home Visitation Prohibited Until Further Notice, Gov. Hogan Says
- COVID-19 Latest: 'Get A Test', Gov. Larry Hogan Tells Marylanders As Thanksgiving, Holidays Approach
The governor said that Marylanders must take personal responsibility for their own actions to make the necessary sacrifices to limit our interactions. He said that might sometimes mean not seeing our own family members to protect them and ourselves.
Hogan also spoke about how the virus is rampant not only in urban areas but now in rural areas, too.
"Now we're seeing problems everywhere, but our absolute worst are in those rural areas, particularly in Allegheny and Garrett county but in other places on the [Eastern] shore, as well," he said. "It doesn't matter where you live, or what demographic group you happen to fall into -- this virus doesn't care doesn't recognize county borders or state borders. It's coming for all of us. And we've all got to be as vigilant as possible to stop it."
To help manage the COVID spread, Hogan announced that effective Friday, Nov. 20, bars, restaurants and other establishments will have to close at 10 p.m.
Indoor capacity will also be decreased to 50% at retail businesses, organizations, religious institutions, personal services, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, skating rinks, fitness centers and social clubs.
A new order will also restrict visitation at hospitals and nursing homes and fans will not be allowed at public stadiums.
"I want to remind Marylanders that we remain in a state of emergency," Hogan said.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.