TOWSON — Baltimore County Social Distancing Taskforce members have been busy since March making sure people are compliant with the latest executive orders handed down both at the state and local level. Starting tomorrow at 5 the county will receive additional help from Maryland State Police.
Yesterday the governor announced new statewide enforcement efforts that, in addition to traditional pre-Thanksgiving drunken driving patrols, will also make sure people are in compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
"We've been working until about 1 a.m. some days," said Marcus Johnson, director of the Baltimore County Fire Department. Johnson also heads the Social Distancing Taskforce. "Have increased our staffing to ensure that were able to meet the demands of the county because we do inspect Large volume of individuals, you know coming home for the holidays so we will have task force members, extra staff on duty."
Johnson told WMAR-2 News the main point is to educate, but if repeat violations occur, more drastic measures are taken, including shutting a business down.
"We are trying to save lives," said Baltimore County Executive, Johnny Olszewski. "We are trying to avoid having our hospitals be overrun."
The county executive was on hand yesterday as Governor Hogan made the announcement about the added enforcement efforts in Annapolis.
"Heading into this holiday season, this is a matter of life and death," said we’re asking our residents and business owners to step up. Help us crush this curve," said Olszewski.
The Baltimore County Department of Health has a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns regarding COVID-19. The number is 410-887-3816.
Residents can also call 1-833-979-2266 or email: prevent.covid@maryland.gov
