Governor Larry Hogan announced yesterday a series of actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday season, including new testing and quarantine requirements for travel, and a new public health advisory to limit gatherings. Described as “Home for the Holidays,” the actions include the following:

  • New public health advisory to limit gatherings to 10 or less – Advisory
  • Expanded testing and quarantine requirements for travel – Executive Order and Health Directives
  • Temporary suspension of in-person customer service operations, continuation of mandatory telework for state employees
  • Santa Claus Exempt from all travel, testing, and quarantine requirements – Executive Order

The Governor also announced $180 million in additional emergency economic relief to assist the hospitality industry, small business, and families.

  • $50 million for hotels and hospitality businesses will be distributed by counties for payroll expenses, rent, and utility assistance.
  • $30 million in additional restaurant relief, bringing the total funding to $80 million.
  • $15 million in additional relief for entertainment venues, provided through the Maryland Department of Housing’s main street program, bringing the total to $35 million.
  • $5 million for rural businesses to help socially or economically disadvantaged businesses, specifically in rural counties.
  • $40 million to provide a boost to the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefit over each of the next six months.
  • $40 million for developmental disability providers to accelerate their 4% increase to begin on January 1, with more than 17,000 Marylanders to benefit from these services.

According to the press release, the Governor plans to propose a larger economic and stimulus relief package to further support families and small business during the upcoming General Assembly session.

The governor also signed an emergency order extending the moratorium on foreclosures to January 31, consistent with the federal CARES Act. Executive Order

Governor’s Press Release
Watch the press conference.
Slides from the press conference.