A federal court has denied a request to block state coronavirus restrictions, ruling in favor of Governor Hogan.
The ruling states that "In the face of this pandemic, Governor Larry Hogan, using the emergency powers granted to him by the state legislature, has issued a series of executive orders designed to slow the spread of the disease and protect the health of Maryland residents," the court states. "In so doing he has consulted with and relied on the advice of acknowledged public health professionals. Based on that advice and the data related to the rate and number of infections and hospitalizations, the Governor of necessity has made extremely difficult choices that affect the economic health of the state and impose restrictions on individual liberties that, in ordinary times, are freely enjoyed by all Maryland residents."
The court ruled that Governor Hogan while exercising the powers given to him in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, has "made reasonable choices informed, if not dictated by, such data, science, and advice."
The court said that the plaintiffs minimize the risks of this pandemic but "cite no contrary scientific authority." and they've not shown that the measures have “no real or substantial relation” to protecting public health.
The full ruling can be read below.
