Maryland governor ‘crazy’ to see crowds at the cherry blossoms

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R-Md.) said Sunday that people have to heed warnings and recommendations of social distancing to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus pandemic. 

“It’s a little crazy to see the crowds at the cherry blossoms,” Hogan said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“People have to listen. You are endangering not only yourselves but fellow citizens by not listening to these warnings,” he added. 

Hogan said he’s been in contact with the D.C. mayor and Virginia governor about taking action and trying to work together. 

Today I joined @MeetThePress to discuss the unprecedented actions we are taking to slow the spread of #COVID19. People all over the place are working as hard as they possibly can to fight this hidden enemy, and it’s going to take all of us working together to save lives. pic.twitter.com/FLXh2xj3Ml

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 22, 2020

In response to photos of crowds at the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, Hogan said social distancing “is not being enforced.” 

“We’ve been getting pretty tough out here in Maryland,” he said, adding that the state is limiting gatherings to groups of 10.

He also said the state has told students who went on spring break that they need to self-quarantine for 14 days to avoid risking the lives of their parents, grandparents and friends. 

“People are kidding themselves if they think they should just go on spring break or enjoy being out there just as business as normal,” Hogan said. “We’ve got to get people off the streets and out of these crowds. It’s absolutely essential.”