On Oct. 9, 1918, Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. John Blake ordered public gatherings prohibited and ordered theaters and other places of public assembly closed.

The next day, Blake restricted the business hours of department, retail, and specialty stores. Saloons were spared from either closure or business hour curtailment because of the purported medicinal value of liquor. The health commissioner also ordered United Railway to keep its streetcars ventilated and to prevent overcrowding.

On October 11, he ordered all churches and poolrooms closed, and hinted that saloons might have to close as well. The next day, Blake ordered dentists to wear gauze masks while with patients, and limited the operating hours of saloons and bars to 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.17