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Troopers Make No Arrests in Early Coronavirus Prevention Efforts

November 28th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

WBAL reports preliminary information from the Maryland State Police COVID-19 prevention efforts, which started at 5 p.m. Wednesday, indicate troopers made no arrests, filed no charges and issued a minimal amount of warnings for people in businesses who were not wearing face coverings or social distancing. Troopers in every county and Baltimore City were involved in COVID-19 education, prevention and enforcement efforts overnight in support of local health officials and police departments. As of Thursday morning, preliminary information shows troopers on patrol and on the high-visibility units made more than 730 checks at restaurants and bars overnight.

State police said troopers overwhelmingly found businesses and customers in compliance with requirements for face coverings, social distancing and closing times.

Troopers provided information about the requirements of the governor's executive orders in several situations and issued less than 10 warnings for people who were not wearing face coverings or properly social distancing within business establishments.

"The intent is really to find the major violators of these public health orders," Maryland State Police Sgt. Travis Nelson told 11 News on Tuesday.

More than 200 calls/emails were received in the past 24 hours on the statewide COVID-19 prevention hotline. Marylanders who see unlawful behavior are encouraged to report it by calling 833-979-2266 or sending an email to Prevent.Covid@maryland.gov