By Chaimae Hadane
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
The pressure is on Gov. Larry Hogan to reopen the state so that restaurants, small businesses, retail stores and other institutions can bring back workers and employees to jumpstart the Maryland economy.
Reopen Maryland is at the forefront of the effort, boasting of the results of an online petition that voices concern with government restrictions designed to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Officials said the group has gained more than 20,000 members on Facebook and garnered around 3,200 online signatures for the petition.
Meanwhile, a group of Maryland Republican politicians has encouraged Hogan to reopen the rural areas they represent first.
Caryn Abbott, 58, a registered nurse from Pocomoke City, helped to spearhead a drive-thru protest rally at the Annapolis Statehouse on Saturday.
“Marylanders are struggling daily to pay bills, maintain family unity, ensure their children’s well-being, and remain connected,” the group stated in the petition.
Baltimore Attorney Hunter Duke, who signed the petition, explained that when the government forcibly tells people to stay home and shut down businesses, it causes more harm to the economy and health than the virus.
“It’s the peoples’ right and obligation to support their families,” he told The Baltimore Watchdog on Monday.
Health officials report there are 12,830 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland with 914 recovered and 486 dead. Nationally, the count is 778,027 confirmed cases and 41,376 dead.
Hogan and the governors of most other states have declared states of emergencies, stay-at-home orders and taken other actions to stem the spread and possibly kill the virus. Throughout the United States, nearly all citizens are required to wear masks and plastic gloves while in public or using public transportation. As a result of these actions, businesses, stores and other institutions have closed, laying off or furloughing workers.
Last week, the Maryland Department of Labor recorded 61,700 unemployment claims.
Duke expressed concerns about the mask mandate, stressing that the government shouldn’t compel others to purchase materials. He joined a chorus of other protestors who complain that these requirements are made when officials know there is a shortage of masks, gloves and other protective equipment.
“People should be allowed to choose whether or not they should be wearing masks,” said Duke.
The Re-open Maryland group acknowledged the tragedy the virus has caused and “appreciate that it’s a significant public health concern.” However, officials said the closures due to COVID-19 will negatively impact citizens.
“The economic, social and education disruption caused by shutdowns is guaranteed to cause significant, even greater, harm, leading to increased deaths, economic disruption, loss of livelihood, and educational challenges for Marylanders and their families, and far less disruptive means of managing the disease can be employed,” the group said on its website.
Many Marylanders who signed the petition also voiced their opinions.
“Small businesses can’t wait much longer,” one person posted. “We need a plan now otherwise half of our small businesses community will be gone.”
Another stated that the shutdown has gone for far too long: “Time to open NOW. We must get back to work for our families, our state and our nation.”
James Simpson commented, “Time to reopen much of Maryland. Most businesses never needed to completely shut down. Observe social distancing and other procedures and open up! We are responsible!”
On Wednesday, Hogan said at a press conference: “There are some very real reasons for hope and optimism right now and there is clearly a light at the end of this tunnel, but exactly how and when we will get to that light is going to be up to each and every one of us. Right now, while our numbers are still climbing and we are still heading up that curve, not down, it is absolutely critical for Marylanders to stay home, to continue avoiding crowds and gatherings, and to aggressively practice social distancing.”
But by Saturday, the drive-thru protest was planned. Reopen Maryland posted on the website: “Research has demonstrated that non-economically disruptive social distancing measures can be sufficient to control the spread of COVID-19, and we call upon Governor Hogan to hear this constituent and immediately begin the responsible opening of our state,” the petition states.
Similar protests have erupted in Michigan, Ohio and other states.
1 Comment
He better re-open soon or the State is gonna lose more money from the class action lawsuits that are going to come out of this. Hogan is violating a number of our rights and he should be held accountable. I can’t wait until my attorney gets this case in course he is gonna eat the State attorney for breakfast lunch and dinner gonna be a great day when that happens.