In relation to JDKatz’s strong desire to and dedication to keep our clients knowledgeable and comfortable in this ever-evolving and changing climate in which we find ourselves, we have compiled a list of information to assist our clients in accessing pertinent information to their business, personal, family, and professional needs. You can also review all of this information in full at the following address: https://governor.maryland.gov/marylandunites/.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to JDKatz if we can be of any assistance at any point throughout this period. We are always here to counsel and advise you.
- Information Pertaining to Stay-At-Home Order. Maryland resident should not be leaving their home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason, such as going to the grocery store or the pharmacy, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other essential purposes. Violation of this order is a misdemeanor and can have criminal repercussions. Please click here for further information.
- To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to COVID-19 and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text “MdReady” to 898211.
- Information Pertaining to Travelers Returning to Maryland. Out-of-state travelers returning to Maryland are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. This is not expected of people who regularly commute into Maryland from an adjacent state or the District of Columbia, or vice-versa, unless such persons should otherwise self-quarantine under applicable CDC or MDH guidance. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Businesses. On March 23, 2020, Governor Hogan put into effect an executive order, which orders the closures of all non-essential businesses in the State of Maryland. Information pertaining to the various classifications can be found here. Further information can also be found here.
- The Maryland Departments of Labor and Commerce have put together a library of resources in order to assist and inform and educate businesses whose ordinary operations are impacted by the order declaring a state of emergency (including new business assistance programs). Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Mortgages. An executive order that ceases lenders from initiating the mortgage foreclosure process. Nearly 70 of Maryland’s largest banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and other financial entities have collaborated to provide additional flexibility to borrowers. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Notaries. Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that temporarily waives the in-person requirement for notarizing documents in Maryland for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, subject to guidance provided by the Secretary of State’s office. Clients working through their estate planning process or family law clients working through their divorce, custody, or other proceedings should review the information contained here.
- Information Pertaining to Caregivers. Providing care for children, senior citizens, or individuals with special needs is classified as an essential activity. As of March 27, 2020, all child-care programs were closed. During this State of Emergency, child-care programs have been established by the State of Maryland to serve those designated as essential personnel at no cost to them because of their dedicated service in this time. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Nursing Homes. Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order to ensure the protection, safety, and well-being of the residents and the staff at Maryland nursing home facilities and to bolster the state’s mitigation and suppression efforts amid outbreaks of COVID-19. Facilities will be required to direct all staff members, who interact with residents to wear personal protective equipment, to create separate observation and isolation areas for residents, and to expedite all testing through the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Senior Call Check Services. The Maryland Department of Aging has a first-in-the-nation, free senior call check program, which provides peace of mind by checking in on seniors living at home alone. You can register by calling 1-866-50-CHECK. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Drive-Thru Testing. The opening of four Maryland drive-thru COVID-19 screening and testing sites has been announced. Testing services will be provided at these sites at no charge to those getting testing. It is most important to remember that testing is strictly limited to Marylanders, who have a referral from their health care provider and who have an appointment to be tested. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Evictions. An emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19 has been issued. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Repossessions. An executive order that prohibits lenders from initiating the mortgage foreclosure process and prohibits the repossession of cars and trucks, as well as homes that are not considered “real property,” such as mobile homes, trailers, and live-aboard boats has been issued. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Licenses and Permits. All licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations issued by the state, its agencies or any political subdivision that would expire during the current state of emergency will be extended until the 30th day after the state of emergency is lifted. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Unemployment. If you are laid off temporarily due to a business shutdown as a result of COVID-19, the Division of Unemployment Insurance recommends that you file a claim for unemployment insurance. The Division’s website and call centers are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of users, which may result in long wait times; please see the guidance for how to apply online based on the date, time, and your last name. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining to Utilities. Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service or charging any residential late fees. Please click here for further information.
- Information Pertaining Maryland Restaurants and Food Services Providers. Governor Hogan issued an amended executive order to close all bars and restaurants in the state, as well as fitness centers, spas, and theaters, which went into effect on March 16, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Please click here for further information. The order allows for restaurants to continue carry-out, drive-thru, delivery, and other no-contact services to their clients. Thereafter, on March 19, 2020, Governor Hogan issued an emergency order, which permits restaurants and food services providers to operate delivery and carry-out sales of alcohol by restaurants, bars, distilleries, and wineries, subject to local laws.
