Dear Loyal Readers of Baltimore Outloud:

Due to the unprecedented disruptions caused by the coronavirus, we are temporarily suspending the print edition of Baltimore Outloud. The focus of all of us needs to be on flattening the curve of infections to protect us and prevent medical facilities from being overwhelmed. We will update this website in order to keep you informed and hope to be printing again soon.

Unlike the Federal Administration in Washington, Governor Hogan has shown true leadership as he strives to protect Marylanders from the ravages of an unchecked virus spreading throughout the state. We are grateful for the steps that he has taken and urge all of you to do whatever you can to protect yourself and prevent the spread of this disease.

Coronavirus is a threat to everyone. The numbers in the state and nationally keep rising exponentially, as is the death toll. Infants and people in their 80s have been infected and a baby has died in Maryland. Fortunately, most people will not get seriously ill, but some will, especially those over 60 or with underlying health conditions. In Italy, the country with the largest number of fatalities, a report in the Baltimore Sun said that 87% of those who died were over the age of 70. We urge all of you to take that into account. When you protect yourself, you are protecting your neighbors, you are protecting your community, you are protecting the State!

The need for social distancing cannot be understated. China has announced that it has confirmed through test 1,500 people that tested positive for COVID 19 without exhibiting ANY symptoms. States and countries that implemented mandatory stay-at-home orders quickly are seeing a lower trajectory of infections than places that waited; compare the States of Washington and California with New York. It is irresponsible for leaders to delay making the call and irresponsible for individuals to fail to take the steps necessary to curb the spread of the virus.

This pandemic is causing hardship for all of us, some far more than others. With businesses closed and jobs lost, the fear created by the virus is exacerbated by the economic uncertainty that it is causing. Many of our advertisers are temporarily shuttered. They have stuck with us for years and we wish to stick by them. We urge you to enthusiastically support them as soon as they reopen for business, which hopefully will not be in the too distant future.

Thanks again for your loyal support. The staff and writers of Baltimore Outloud hope that you stay safe and healthy. We look forward to printing the paper again and distributing it in the places where you have come accustomed to find it.

Jim Becker,

Publisher and Executive Editor