* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
DLR Draft I 13Apr20 DLR Draft I 13Apr20
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Covid-19 Essential Business and Resident Activity Regulations
For the purpose of calling on the Mayor to require all businesses deemed “essential” in Baltimore City immediately implement social distance measures for customers and to require all residents wear masks while participating in permitted activities.
body
Recitals
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Maryland. Due to the extreme threat that the virus poses to the health and well-being of all those in our state and city, Governor Hogan declared a State of Emergency on March 5 after 3 cases of the virus were diagnosed in Montgomery County. Mayor Young declared a State of Emergency on March 18, after 5 cases were diagnosed in the City. As of April 12, there were 812 confirmed cases in Baltimore City along with 24 deaths.
The Baltimore City Council recognizes that certain groups are more vulnerable to the virus than others. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most likely to become severely ill or die from the virus, although severe symptoms and death can occur in young people and generally healthy people as well. Some conditions that make people especially susceptible to complications from the virus include lung disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Individuals with asthma may also suffer severe symptoms from the virus, as COVID-19 makes breathing difficult in symptomatic individuals.
Unfortunately, many Baltimore City residents suffer from these diseases and, therefore, are at high risk of severe illness or death if they are infected. The living circumstances of individuals can also contribute to increased vulnerability to the virus. Knowing all of these factors requires us to do as much as possible to stop the spread of the virus. While there are many strict regulations in place, many Baltimoreans are still being put at risk of contracting COVID-19 while conducting essential business as a result of individuals practicing social distancing.
Thus, due to the ongoing pandemic and its effects on our City, the City Council recommends the following actions:
- That the Mayor issue an Executive Order requiring all Businesses deemed to be “essential” in Baltimore implement social distancing requirements limiting the amount of consumers in each establishment;
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- That the Mayor issue an Executive Order requiring all Baltimoreans and visitors to Baltimore wear mask or other facial covering while conducting activities deemed to be “essential” or traveling beyond their residential property;
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- That the Mayor issue an Executive Order requiring all City of Baltimore employees to wear mask while on City of Baltimore property.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council calls on the Mayor to require all businesses deemed “essential” in Baltimore City immediately implement social distance measures for customers and to require all residents wear masks while participating in permitted activities.
And be it further resolved, That the City Council will continue to provide updates to Baltimore City residents on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and make recommendations going forward on how best to “flatten the curve.”
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Governor, the Mayor, the Honorable Members of Congress representing Baltimore City, the Health Commissioner, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.