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Gov. Hogan announces closure of public schools, senior centers, Port of Baltimore

Posted at 5:14 PM, Mar 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-13 07:27:06-04

BALTIMORE — Gov. Hogan announced “major” actions to protect the public's health after the state had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 community transmission in Maryland.

Here are the major takeaways from Hogan's press conference:

  • Governor Hogan has directed all senior centers to close and large gatherings to be canceled.
  • The Port of Baltimore has closed.
  • The National Guard has been activated.
  • All public schools in Maryland are closed March 16 through March 27.
  • All visits to prisons and state buildings are suspended.
  • All non-essential state employees that are approved to do so are directed to telework.

Archbishop William E. Lori issued the following statement following the March 12 press conference of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, during which the governor addressed major steps being taken after the state confirmed its first case of community transmitted coronavirus:

“In light of the order today by Gov. Hogan that all public schools be closed for the next two weeks, I have similarly instructed that all archdiocesan schools be closed during the same time period, March 16-27, 2020 and that all school-sponsored activities be cancelled during that same timeframe,” the archbishop said. “In addition, I have instructed all parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to comply with the governor’s order by limiting attendance at all Masses and parish-sponsored events, regardless of location, to no more than 250 people until further notice.”

In addition to catholic schools, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has announced that the Diocese of Maryland must shut down public worship services beginning this Sunday, March 15.

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow, the Garrison Forest campus will close, and all activities, including athletics, will be canceled.

They will be open during the school day tomorrow as planned, and Harford Heights will remain open as scheduled for Lower School aftercare. Following Spring Break, beginning Thursday, March 26, they will transition to online learning and will plan to continue virtual learning at least through April 10.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be open for students on Thursday, April 9; Friday, April 10; and Monday, April 13 to make up some of the days lost to the two-week closure.

MGM National Harbor has announced the immediate postponement of events in The Theater at MGM National Harbor. Those events include:

Los Angeles Azules – Friday, March 13

The Bachelor Live – Sunday, March 22

Jon Dorenbos – Saturday, March 28

Charlie Wilson – Sunday, March 29

RELATED: Gov. Hogan: First case of coronavirus community transmission in Maryland has taken place

Also due to the coronavirus a list of cancellations have taken place from major sporting events to events in the Baltimore area.

RELATED: List: Maryland Public Schools closed, field trips, events canceled due to coronavirus

And as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak continues to spread, you can find everything you need to know on how the virus is affecting Maryland and its residents by clicking here.