Coronavirus Information

The Latest

The health and well-being of my constituents is my top priority. As we work to navigate the global pandemic of the coronavirus and the associated COVID-19 disease, I am in close communication with my colleagues at the federal, state and local levels. I will update this page with resources and answers to frequenty-asked-questions.

Business and School Closures

• As of July 31, everyone older than 5 must wear masks inside all public buildings, including restaurants, houses of worship, gyms, casinos, stores and office buildings. Masks are also required outdoors whenever it is not possible to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from others.You can see details on Governor Hogan's mask mandate here.
• As of Friday, November 20, Governor Hogan has begun "stage two" of Maryland's coronavirus recovery. It is important to note that Maryland counties and cities still have final authority on moving forward with re-openings. Under the revised order:
  • All bars, restaurants and nightclubs may operate at a 50 percent capacity. They must be closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for carryout and delivery. Indoor and outdoor seating is permitted. All staff must wear face coverings. Employees must clean and disinfect each table between each seating.
  • Retail stores may operate at 50 percent capacity.
  • Religious institutions may operate at 50 percent capacity.
  • Beauty salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, massage parlors and nail salons, and establishments that provide esthetic services may operate at 50 percent capacity.
  • Indoor recreation establishments, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, roller- and ice-skating rinks, social clubs and theaters may operate at 50 percent capacity.
  • Outdoor entertainment establishments, golf courses and driving ranges, shooting ranges, marinas, campgrounds, horse riding facilities, drive-in movie theaters, amusement parks, miniature golf establishments and such may be open to the public.
  • Outdoor recreation may resume. Outdoor public spaces to the general public (such as parks, sports fields and courts, beaches, dog parks, and playgrounds) may open at the discretion of local government.
  • No fans are allowed at horse racing tracks and professional and collegiate stadiums.
  • Fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers and self-defense schools may operate at 50 percent capacity.
  • Hospital visits are suspended, with exceptions for patients who are dying, giving birth, are minors or have disabilities.
  • Doctors and hospitals are urged to avoid admitting patients for elective procedures, especially if they might require intensive care, ventilator treatment or inpatient rehabilitation.
  • Nursing home visits are suspended, except in cases involving “compassionate care.” In those cases, visitors must show a recent negative coronavirus test.
  • Nursing homes must test residents weekly and employees twice weekly.
  • All child care providers may remain open, as long as they follow all health department protocols listed on the MSDE website and adhere to class size restrictions.
• Marylanders are encouraged to continue teleworking and stay home except for essential travel.
• Maryland public schools are providing meals to students while schools are shut down. Click here to find a meal distribution site in your community.

Telephone Town Halls

I have hosted two live telephone town halls so far amid this crisis, joined by medical doctors, as well as state and county representatives. You can sign up to participate in our next telelphone town hall here.

On March 31, my town hall focused on the help available to families and businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, including stronger unemployment benefits, small business relief and individual rebate checks that will be sent to low and middle-income Americans. Click here to listen to the audio stream of the March 31 event.

On March 16, my town hall focused on the virus itself and how you can best protect yourself and your family. Click here to listen to the audio stream of the March 16 event.

State and County-specific information and resources:

Information from the State of Maryland
Information for Baltimore County residents
Information for Baltimore City residents
Information for Howard County residents
Information for Anne Arundel County residents
Information for Harford County residents

Federal Response

Through legislation and executive order, the federal government is working to help Americans throughout this crisis. Click here to learn about emergency aid, tax extensions and more.

Individual Rebates

To help American families struggling during this pandemic, Congress has authorized individual rebate checks for most individuals. Everyone is eligible for the full rebate payments as long as they have a Social Security number and their household income is not too high. Click here to learn more.

Help for Workers Who Take Leave or are Laid Off