ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered the closing of Maryland’s six casinos, racetracks and simulcast betting facilities in response to the coronavirus.

Hogan issued the emergency order Sunday to close the facilities indefinitely. The closures take effect at midnight Monday. The governor’s office says the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will work with casinos to facilitate an orderly shutdown of operations.

In light of the serious public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, I have issued an emergency order to close all Maryland casinos, racetracks, and simulcast betting facilities to the general public indefinitely.

Learn more: https://t.co/2QCi9f1Zc5

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 15, 2020

The governor’s office says the closings will remain in effect until a state of emergency has ended or until superseded by other orders. The order does not apply to hotels adjacent to casinos.

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