Maryland Governor Orders Closure of Non-Essential Businesses; Law Firms May Remain Open
March 23, 2020 – 5:52 PM
Earlier today, the Governor of Maryland ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state as of 5 PM, similar to orders in effect in neighboring Delaware, Pennsylvania and an New Jersey. However, unlike other states in the region, interpretive guidance from the State's Office of Legal Counsel has been circulated stating that law offices remain open as they are deemed an essential business.
The Guidance states that “government facilities sector” are not required to close. The Government Facilities Sector encompasses private persons and entities that support the judicial system including, but not limited to, lawyers and law firms, court reporters, and bail bondsmen. We will be sure to update this post, should the order change in the coming days.
If you have questions, or would like additional information, please contact Lou Rizzo, Chair of Reger Rizzo & Darnall’s Insurance Practices Group, at 215.495.6507, or via email at lrizzo@regerlaw.com.
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