It closes non-essential businesses to help stop the coronavirus.
Frederick, Md (KM) The definition of non-essential businesses is being discussed following Governor Larry Hogan’s order on Monday closing all such companies to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Some of businesses which can remain open are grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, liquor stores and auto repair shops. Restaurants can keep operating but only with take out and delivery services; no on-site dining for a while.
During an appearance on WFMD’s “Morning News Express,” Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly Schulz explained why the Governor listed golf courses as non-essential businesses which must close. “The guidance that we received from the Health Department is that it provides an opportunity for large gatherings,” she said.
One of the Governor’s orders prohibited the gatherings of more than ten people which could spread the coronavirus.
Also those that must close are barbershops, beauty salons and tattoo parlors. “That was specific advice that came from the CDC and health officials because you have that one-on-one contact,” she said.
But Secretary Schulz said there’s also been a lot of misconceptions about the Governor’s order closing non-essential businesses. “So we’re not closing down the small businesses. One of the concerns was all of the small businesses that are competing with the big box stores have to close down, but the big box stores don’t. And that’s not true,” she says.
The state of Maryland has put together a $175-million relief package to help businesses affected by the coronaviorus crisis. The Department of Commerce will offer up o $125-million in loands and grants to small businesses and non-profits through the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 fund. There’s a $75-million loan fund and a $50-million grant fund, with $1-million dedicated for non-profits.
The Maryland Department of Labor has set aside $7-million in funding to help small businesses retain their workers.
Anyone whose interested can go on line to businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus for more information.
Schulz says there’s already strong interest in these programs. “By the close of business yesterday {Mon}–actually the close of business for me is about midnight right now–we had roughly 4,000 people that had applied,:” she said.
By Kevin McManus