Home Together

Let’s Stay Home And Stay Safe

County council member Jolene Ivey (D-Dist. 5)

By Jolene Ivey

Today, I’m grateful to count my blessings — my family and I are healthy, we have a comfortable (although still messy) home to ride out this pandemic, and we have enough food. I’m sad, though, for people who have not been so fortunate. Some of us know people who have died from this insidious illness or who are seriously ill with it. Children among us may be suffering from neglect or violence, without their usual school supports. Indeed, domestic abuse and violence have increased. I’m aware that the challenges most of us face pale in comparison, and I’m doing all I can from my position to help. I’m sure we all are pitching in however we can.

Stay-at-Home Order

The stay-at-home order by Governor Hogan is needed and the right thing to do, but it has caused some confusion about what it means, and what it includes. The new order from the Governor means that no one should leave their home for any reason other than essential work, to get food, to get needed medical care, or for other limited, essential reasons (such as walking the dog or getting exercise while maintaining social distance). He said no one should travel outside of the state or ride public transportation unless it is absolutely necessary. The Governor said this stay-at-home order was no longer a request as before but is now an order.

The Governor said the state will enforce the directive. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the order is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Restaurants can still continue selling food “on a carry-out or drive-through basis.” Child care and other types of “residential services” are considered essential, meaning that a nanny, babysitter, or another type of caretaker is still allowed to travel from one house to another and from one jurisdiction to another to reach the job. To clarify the order, Maryland’s Office of Legal Counsel stated that people taking care of children, seniors, or those with special needs can continue their important work.

This order will remain effective until after the state of emergency is rescinded or until another order is introduced to supersede it.

The entire order can be found HERE. A video of the Governor announcing the order is HERE.