BALTIMORE, MD.  — Beginning immediately, evictions in Baltimore City are halted while schools are closed due to the growing COVID-19 virus.

Earlier today, Mayor Young reached out to Baltimore City Sheriff John W. Anderson to request his office, which has jurisdiction over evictions, stop the practice during the period when public schools are closed in Baltimore. 

Governor Hogan announced today that public schools throughout the state will close for two weeks beginning Monday.

"I am thankful to Sheriff Anderson and District Administrative Judge Barbara B. Waxman for working quickly with my office to put in place a policy to allow people to remain in their homes while schools and many other government buildings are closed due to COVID-19," Mayor Young said.

"Housing is a core aspect of the social determinants of health that impacts the health, safety, and well-being of all of our residents," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa said. "I commend Mayor Young, Sheriff Anderson, and Judge Waxman for their actions in limiting evictions at this critical time."