March 19, 2020

Dear MNLGA members:

I've been sending these COVID-19 updates to key contacts only. If you wish to share with your staff, please feel free to forward these emails.

I've just finished listening to the Governor's 10:00 press conference, in which he made no new mandates affecting our businesses directly. His significant mandates now are that no one is to take public transportation except first responders, those directly involved in the supply chain, health care workers, etc. NO public gatherings at all of more than 10 people; enclosed malls are closed as of 5:00 tonight, and a few other such public exposure restrictions. For now, our industry businesses may carry on, exercising, of course, coronavirus sanitation and social distancing precautions. (See links below)

Yesterday, I worked directly with MDA, who sent our industry concerns directly to the Governor's office, and also sent letters to the leadership of the Governor's COVID-19 Advisory Council. In that letter, I asked for consideration of ALL Green Industry businesses - nursery, landscape, lawncare, garden center, etc. to be considered essential if mandates come to close businesses. I also made clear that our businesses have live plant material and require daily care - water, pest management, etc.

In speaking to Kim Rice at MDA, nursery inspectors are not doing field work at this time. However, if you have questions or need their services, a phyto cert, for example, please contact Kim directly and she will assist you. Kim may be reached at kimberly.rice@maryland.gov

FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT BECOMES LAW
Yesterday, the Senate passed the FFCRA that the House passed earlier in the week. President Trump has signed this into law. Here is a link to one of the resources that explains the law. I've taken this information from Miles & Stockbridge's website.

COVID-19 Resources:



Stay well and let me know if there is anything the MNLGA can do for you.

Vanessa A. Finney
Executive Director, MNLGA
410-823-8684
Vanessa@MNLGA.org