All non-essential businesses in Maryland are ordered to close by 5 p.m. Monday, Gov. Larry Hogan announced today.

Citing social media and news reports from the weekend, which showed people out in large crowds across the state, Hogan said more steps were required to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland.

Hogan’s order does not include essential or critical industries as defined by the federal government: health care, law enforcement, emergency workers, food, energy, water, transportation, public works, communications, government, critical manufacturing, financial services, chemicals and defense.

Liquor stores are exempted from the order. Day-care centers are not required to close.

Big box stores will remain open, but Hogan said he has asked local law enforcement to help those retailers deal with crowd control.

“Let me repeat, once again as strongly as I possibly can: if you are engaged in this activity, you are breaking the law and you are literally endangering the lives of your family friends and fellow citizens,” Hogan said.

“I know how incredibly difficult this is on each and everyone one of you," Hogan said. "There is a great deal of fear and anxiety. The truth is, none of us really know how bad it’s going to get or how long it’s going to last, but I can promise that there are a great deal, a great many dedicated people doing some tremendous things, working around the clock, doing their best to help keep the people of Maryland safe.

“We are all in this together. Together we will get through this,” he said.

Hogan said a complete announcement will be released by his office later this afternoon.