Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has been one of the best governors in the country in the fight against the coronavirus. He has tried to rely on sound science and common sense in shutting down and reopening society and business in the state.

At the same time, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has been one of the worst local officials in Maryland. He refused to allow even thoroughly spaced, outdoor religious ceremonies while approving of unspaced political protests he happened to approve of. Last night, after dark on Friday, Elrich issued an arbitrary and capricious order shutting down religious and other private schools, barring them from holding in-person instruction.