Sunday, November 29, 2020

New 'Compliance Units' Can Fine, Jail 'Covid-19 Violators' In Maryland


Maryland’s “Compliance Units” Can Fine, Jail COVID-19 Violators





The police state is here, and it’s wearing a face mask.

Marylanders are now being subjected to “high-visibility compliance units,” combined units of state troopers and local police officers who have been charged with ensuring that businesses, bars, and restaurants are complying with capacity levels, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

The compliance unit went into force this week right in time for Thanksgiving. Violators could be punished and forced to close down.

“We don’t look to shut down places immediately, and in some areas of the state, we will have the health department with us; however, again, it is about educating, see if we can get that business into compliance,” said Maryland State Police Sgt. Travis Nelson said.

The new effort is based on models already being implemented in Baltimore and Frederick counties. The Baltimore County Social Distancing Task Force has become the model for Governor Larry Hogan’s statewide high-visibility compliance units.

Nelson said the unit will be looking for “those planning to have large, large gatherings — I’m talking hundreds of people — into crowds of bars and restaurants and other private parties, where they are selling tickets and renting private commercial space. We are getting information that they are renting warehouses.”

The penalty? Up to $5,000 in fines and possibly one year in jail.

WBAL TV lists some of those restrictions:

All bars, restaurants and facilities where food and/or alcohol are served will be required to close by 10 p.m. Takeout and delivery services are encouraged to continue, but in-person dining operations will not be permitted between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

All retail businesses and religious institutions statewide must revert back to the Stage Two 50% capacity restrictions.


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