Coronavirus Rumors - What Is & Isn't True In Maryland

By LH

With the current coronavirus pandemic taking over the way we live, there have been rumors circulating around in regards to how one can catch the virus, what the government is doing to prevent spread and decisions on schooling. Below are several rumors that have been put to rest by the state of Maryland regarding their approach to the situation.

The below are excerpts from maryland.gov. Read more here.

Rumor: The National Guard is deployed in Baltimore; martial law will be enacted.

Here are the Facts: At this time, the National Guard is deployed in Baltimore and other parts of the state to assist with distributing food and medical supplies across the State, as well as assisting local and state organizations with carrying out any necessary emergency functions.

  • Addressed by Maryland National Guard Major General Tim Gowen
  • Current as of 3/26/2020

Rumor: With Governor Hogan's announcement of the stay at home order being in effect, no one is allowed to leave their home.

Here are the Facts:Effective as of 8:00 p.m. on March 30, 2020, all Maryland residents are ordered to stay in their homes or places of residences unless they are performing essential activities. A few essential activities as defined by this order are:

  • driving to and from work if you are an essential employee,
  • obtaining necessary supplies or services for one’s self or family,
  • engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of one’s self,
  • engaging in outdoor activities such as biking, walking, etc.,
  • and many more that can be seen at the following link.
  • Addressed onhttps://governor.maryland.gov/...
  • Current as of 3/30/2020

Rumor: If I am traveling in my vehicle and a State Police Trooper spots me on the road, they will stop me and question the reasons for my travel.

Here are the Facts:Enforcement of the expanded Governor’s Executive Order will be conducted by Maryland state troopers. However, troopers will not make traffic stops simply to ask drivers where they are going to determine if their travel is essential or not. If, in the course of the regular performance of his/her duties, such as during a crash investigation or a traffic stop, the trooper develops information indicating the individual was engaged in non-essential travel, enforcement action can be taken, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office in that jurisdiction.

Rumor: I can get coronavirus by ordering carryout/delivery.

Here are the Facts:At this time, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. CDC notes that in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures. It is more likely that a person will be exposed by person-to-person transmission involving close contact with someone who is ill or shedding the virus.

Rumor: Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, could worsen coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Here are the Facts:At this time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with worsening COVID-19 symptoms. FDA advises the public to read the full Drug Facts Label on OTC medications prior to use. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.

Rumor: The academic calendar year 2019-2020 will be repeated again next year.

Here are the Facts:At this time, that decision has not yet been made by the Maryland State Department of Education.

  • Addressed by Maryland State Department of Education
  • Current as of 4/1/2020
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