ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an emergency order limiting travel to essential trips only within the state. Maryland residents who choose to travel outside the state are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test or self-quarantine for 10 days. The Governor said, “Our theme is Home for the Holidays. We do want families to celebrate and enjoy the holidays in ways that keep them safe..
The Maryland Department of Health issued a public health advisory lowering the gathering limit from 25 to 10. They also advised against all nonessential activities and holiday gatherings with people outside of your immediate household.
Hogan said. “After doing so well for so long, we simply cannot afford to let our guard down over the holidays during this very critical time. So our message today is simple: You are safer at home for the holidays this year. Making difficult sacrifices during these next few weeks will absolutely help to keep your family, loved ones, and your fellow Marylanders safe. It will help our hospitals keep up with the demand, and it will save lives.”
The state issued a mandatory telework order for all state employees who are able to work from home and temporarily suspended all in-person contact at state facilities for two weeks.
However, he did issue an important order for Christmas. “Today I have issued a very special emergency order which exempts the one true Santa Claus who resides at the North Pole, all non-human elves associated with Santa, and the reindeer necessary for the propulsion from Santa’s sleigh, from all testing and travel requirements.
According to Dr. Fauci, who I was on a Zoom with this afternoon, quote, Santa Claus has a good innate immunity from COVID-19, and so due to this immunity, it is unnecessary for Santa and his affiliated elves and reindeer to comply with the public health orders. Santa says he will be wearing his mask and he asked me to remind all the kids out there to please remember to leave the milk and cookies out, as always.”