Council President Scott Issues Statement on New Mandates to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Council President Scott Issues Statement on New Mandates to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

BALTIMORE, MD (March 16, 2020) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott released the following statement in response to new mandates issued by Governor Hogan to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland:

“Governor Hogan just announced new measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Because news is developing so quickly with this pandemic, I wanted to make sure you saw his directions:

• All bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms across the state will be closed, effective at 5PM today
• Drive-through, delivery and carry-out services can continue
• Gatherings larger than 50 people are prohibited
• Utility companies may not shut off service to residential customers
• No late fees will be assessed on utilities
• No tenants will be evicted during the state of emergency

These are difficult but welcome developments. Last night, I called on the City of Baltimore to limit gatherings to 50 people and close down restaurants and bars for onsite consumption. Last week, the Baltimore City Council called on state officials to protect residents from utility shutoffs, late fees, and evictions. I am glad the Governor is taking these drastic, but necessary steps to keep our community safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 as soon as possible.

We have to focus on saving lives and keeping our most vulnerable neighbors safe. This won't be an easy adjustment, but we can't risk the level of illness and death that could come from not taking these steps.

I'll continue to call on our City to consider using the rainy day fund to support residents and local businesses impacted by this state of emergency. We also must work with our state and federal partners to develop a fund to support those impacted. 

Let me be absolutely clear, Baltimore: this is not a time to panic. We know that we must continue to do everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19, and we must continue to support one another. We will get through this together.”