Title: Technically, you're not allowed to buy gardening or painting supplies during Maryland's stay-at-home order Source:
WUSA-9 URL Source:https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/ ... a8-b773-4f76-9fbf-6ce7c9a130a9 Published:Mar 30, 2020 Author:Jess Arnold Post Date:2020-04-05 06:24:25 by Deckard Keywords:None Views:123
BETHESDA, Md. — Frustrated with people ignoring social distancing recommendations, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home order Monday. That means Marylanders can only leave their homes for "essential activities."
The Governor said this comes after multiple unheeded recommendations for people to remain home during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"In spite of the rapid escalation of this crisis... some people are still choosing to ignore those executive orders and directives," Hogan said. "Those individuals are endangering themselves and fellow citizens."
Hardware stores and grocery stores have still been packed, with lines wrapping around the outside of the building. Multiple people who have visited places like Home Depot said it was impossible to practice social distancing with the crowds.
Hogan is hoping this order will quell the large crowds.
Not every "essential activity" was spelled out in the order, so WUSA9 asked Montgomery County officials to clarify:
Can you leave the house to buy paint to paint a bedroom?
Can you buy plants and seeds to garden at home?
County officials said, in short: no.
“That’s not an essential activity necessarily, and therefore would not be deemed an appropriate use," said Earl Stoddard, with the county's Emergency Management Department. "The challenge for law enforcement will be able to weed that out. They’ve been given some discretion.”
Before the stay-at-home order, Maryland State Police said they had responded to 277 calls for non-compliance.
Hogan said they will be enforcing this even more aggressive directive.
Poster Comment:
Can you buy plants and seeds to garden at home? County officials said, in short: no. “That’s not an essential activity necessarily, and therefore would not be deemed an appropriate use," said Earl Stoddard, with the county's Emergency Management Department. "
