Maryland will become the latest state to lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan announced at a press conference Monday morning.
The lockdown will take effect Monday night at 8 P.M., the governor announced. Maryland will become the 28th state to enter into a lockdown, according to CNN. (RELATED: Trump Says Biden ‘Wouldn’t Even Know What’s Going On’ If He Were President)
Hogan warned of severe penalties if Marylanders were to violate the lockdown order, including a $5,000 fine, and up to a year in jail.
“We are no longer asking or suggesting Maryland residents stay home, we are directing them to do so,” Hogan said.
Just In: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan “we are no longer asking or suggesting Maryland residents stay home, we are DIRECTING them to do so” as of 8pm tonight. Will be enforced with violators facing misdemeanor charges
— Steve Chenevey FOX5 (@stevechenevey) March 30, 2020
Hogan’s announcement comes a day after President Donald Trump announced that he was extending his administration’s strict social distancing guidelines for another 30 days, until April 30. The decision likely means that most of the American economy will continue to be closed until at least the end of next month.