On March 30, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an executive order closing nonessential businesses and requiring individuals to remain in their homes except for essential activities.

Hogan’s order took effect immediately and will remain in place until the state’s declared state of emergency is over. The order defines essential activities as trips for supplies or medical care, caring for family members, and outdoor exercise. Knowing and willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor offense and convictions may result in up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Twenty-five states have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders. Six of those orders are set to last until modified or rescinded by the governor, while the other 19 announced end dates.

Although the names of the orders—shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, stay home, stay safe—vary from state to state, they include at least two common elements: the closure of nonessential businesses and requesting all residents to stay home except for essential trips.

Additional Reading:
States with shelter in place and stay at home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020