LIST: These are the only businesses to remain open in Maryland – WUSA9.com

Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered all non-essential businesses in the state to close. That includes bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and other places where crowds could gather that are not critical to infrastructure of day-to-day life.

Hogan emphasized that this is not a shelter-in-place order, as has been issued in other states. He said he believes closing down businesses is a more effective way to keep people from venturing out.

"Marylanders are urged to remain home, and employers are urged to promote work-from-home arrangements to the greatest extent possible," according to the Office of Legal Counsel of Maryland.

In Monday's press conference, Hogan thanked the Marylanders who have been social distancing and staying at home, but cautioned those who have not complied.

Unfortunately, many people are still not taking it seriously," Hogan said. "There were crowds of people visiting the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and large gatherings on the beach in Ocean City and on the boardwalk. If you are engaged in this kind of activity, you are breaking the law, and you are literally endangering the lives of your family, your friends, and fellow citizens."

The cloture of all non-essential businesses began at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23.

Hogan said it's a difficult decision having to close businesses, but his administration is trying to be aggressive to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"It's the twin battles, so we don't take any of these steps, and hundreds of thousands or millions of people are going to die in America," Hogan said. "We do take these steps and hundreds of thousands are going to be hurt economically, so its a terrible choice, and so the solution is we try to do both. We try to save lives, and then we try to help save the economy."

He said they have set up multiple funds to help small businesses weather the storm.

At least one of the funds provides up to $10,000 in the form of a direct, immediate grant to help businesses with fewer than 50 employees. His administration said they are also offering up to $50,000 in low-interest loans, with a 0 percent interest rate in the first 12 months.

To help families as they try to stock up on supplies, the Governor also signed an executive order Monday to ban price gauging.

Retailers who attempt to exploit this crisis for profit and gain will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," the Governor said.

Below is a list of businesses that are considered essential and will remain open, according to a release from the Office of Legal Counsel of Maryland.

The Chemical Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Pharmaceutical manufacturers.

ii. Chemical manufacturers.

iii. Distributors of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

The Commercial Facilities Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Lodging.

ii. Building and property maintenance companies, including without limitation plumbers, electricians, HVAC service companies, roofers, environmental services companies, exterminators, arborists, and landscapers.

iii. Janitorial firms.

iv. Companies that sell supplies and materials for maintenance of commercial and residential buildings, including big box home improvement supply stores, plumbing distributors, electrical distributors, and HVAC distributors.

v. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry services.

vi. Commercial and residential construction companies.

vii. Self-storage facilities.

RELATED: Gov. Hogan issues order to close all nonessential businesses in Maryland

The Communications Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Broadcasting companies and stations.

ii. Cable TV companies.

iii. Telephone (cellular and landline) companies.

iv. Internet service providers.

The Critical Manufacturing Sector includes, but is not limited to, manufacturing of:

i. Steel, iron, and aluminum products.

ii. Engines, motors, turbines, generators, and power transmission equipment.

iii. Earth-moving, mining, agricultural, and construction equipment.

iv. Parts for water, electric, and telecommunications utility infrastructure.

v. Land, air, and water vehicles, and related parts.

vi. Medical equipment.

vii. Personal protective equipment.

viii. Cleaning and sanitation equipment and supplies.

The Defense Industrial Base Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Companies that research, develop, manufacture, or integrate weapons, defense, or intelligence systems or assets.

ii. Private contractors that support defense and intelligence agencies.

The Emergency Services Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Law enforcement.

ii. Emergency medical services.

iii. Emergency management.

iv. Fire and rescue services.

v. Private ambulance companies.

The Energy Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Companies engaged in electricity production (excluding hydroelectric and nuclear, which are included in other sectors).

ii. Companies engaged in the production, refining, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of oil, gas, and propane products, including gas stations and truck stops.

iii. Companies that provide utility maintenance services.

The Financial Services Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Banks and credit unions.

ii. Non-bank lenders.

iii. Payroll processing companies.

iv. Payment processing companies.

v. Armored car companies.

vi. Insurance companies.

vii. Securities and investment companies.

viii. Accounting and bookkeeping firms.

The Food and Agriculture Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Grocery stores.

ii. Farmers markets.

iii. Convenience stores.

iv. Alcoholic beverage stores and distributors, distilleries, and wineries.

v. Institutional food service and supply companies.

vi. Farms.

vii. Food manufacturing and processing.

viii. Pet supply stores.

ix. Veterinary hospitals, clinics, and kennels.

x. Companies that manufacture, maintain, and sell agricultural equipment.

xi. Companies that manufacture, or support the manufacturing of paper products.

Please note: Restaurants and bars are required to close except for carryout, delivery, and drive-through sales.

RELATED: 'Now is not the time' | Ocean City beach, boardwalk closes amid coronavirus concerns

The Government Facilities Sector also encompasses private persons and entities that support the judicial system including, but not limited to:

i. Lawyers and law firms.

ii. Court reporters.

iii. Bail bondsmen.

The Healthcare and Public Health Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Hospitals.

ii. Healthcare systems and clinics.

iii. Offices of health care providers, including physicians, dentists, and pharmacists.

iv. Physical, occupation, and speech therapists.

v. Behavioral health facilities and professionals, including psychologists, mental health counselors, and substance abuse counselors

vi. Rehabilitation facilities.

vii. Diagnostic facilities, including radiology, imaging, and laboratory facilities.

viii. Health plans, payers, and billing companies.

ix. Funeral homes and crematoriums.

x. Senior living facilities, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing.

xi. Manufacturers and distributors of medical equipment and supplies.

xii. Medical cannabis growers, processors, and dispensaries.

xiii. Home health care companies.

xiv. Pharmacies.

The Information Technology Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Companies that design, develop, distribute, host, sell, and support information technology software and hardware.

ii. Companies that provide network routing, access, and configuration services.

The Transportation Systems Sector includes, but is not limited to:

i. Airlines and operators of commercial aircraft (manned and unmanned).

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LIST: These are the only businesses to remain open in Maryland - WUSA9.com