‘We’re not playing around’: Maryland law enforcement prepared to arrest people who defy coronavirus shutdown
Hours after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced sweeping executive orders Monday to restrict public gatherings and business operations due to the new coronavirus, state police and local law enforcement agencies said they were prepared to arrest those who deliberately flout the directives.
Hogan issued an executive order Monday to shut down all bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms in Maryland, effective at 5 p.m., to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants may continue delivery, carryout and drive-thru services.
Hogan also ordered members of the public to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention limiting gatherings to 50 people applies to social, community, religious and recreational or sports activities.
In a statement, Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Woodrow W. Jones III said the department will work to enforce those orders “around the clock and across the state.”
Jones is hoping Maryland businesses and residents will voluntarily comply without the need for further encouragement — but said his department is prepared to arrest business owners, customers and citizens who ignore the governor’s instructions.
Violation of a governor’s executive order declared during a state of emergency is punishable with a fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail or both, Jones said in a statement.
“If a need for law enforcement action arises, we will take the appropriate action,” he said. “We are first conferencing with state’s attorneys and local law enforcement chiefs and sheriffs across Maryland. We will work in support of and partnership with those local authorities.”
If a complaint is lodged against a business, deputies plan to first make contact with the owner or manager of the establishment. If voluntary compliance does not occur, state police will cooperate with the local state’s attorney to potentially issue a criminal summons or warrant, Jones said.
The Maryland National Guard did not have immediate plans Monday for assisting with enforcement, but plans to support and coordinate with state police as directed, spokesman Maj. Kurt Rauschenberg said.
In Baltimore, the police and health departments will work together to enforce the executive orders, said Lester Davis, a spokesman for Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young.
“We’re not playing around,” Davis said. “The hope is that people understand the seriousness of this and will comply and we won’t have to use enforcement measures. But we’re more than willing to do that.”
In a statement, Young said he needed city residents to “adjust to this new reality.”
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