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Baltimore County Dealing With People Violating Ban On Large Groups

John Lee

There have been at least 30 cases in Baltimore County over the past 10 days of people violating social distancing rules as authorities try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Statewide it is illegal for more than 10 people to gather together.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said by and large county residents are being very compliant and he appreciates those who are taking this seriously. But, he said, the county’s received around 50 calls about social distancing violations, 30 of those proved to be legitimate.

“Fortunately all but one has been resolved voluntarily," Olszewski said. "Only one has required enforcement action at the local level.”

In that case, according to a county spokesman, the Fire Marshal issued a cease and desist order to the business and it has been in compliance since then.

Olszewski said they want residents who see social distancing violations to call 9-1-1. The county’s health department, fire marshal and police department are involved in enforcing the restrictions.

“All of the resources are working together through our emergency operations center to make sure that we’re doing all we can to keep our residents safe,” Olszewski said.

Governor Larry Hogan said Wednesday people are taking the restrictions much more seriously now.

Hogan said there were only 14 cases statewide on Tuesday where groups of more than 10 people were told to disperse.

“And every one of them willingly, immediately cooperated,” Hogan said. “So we’ve had no real incidences of people really ignoring the directives.”

John Lee is a reporter for WYPR covering Baltimore County. @JohnWesleyLee2
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