Governor Hogan recently announced the commencement of Stage One of the “Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery” beginning at 5 p.m on May 15. Under the new advisory, retail stores will be able to open at 50% capacity, manufacturing may resume operations, and personal services (such as barbershops and hair salons) may open at up to 50% capacity by appointment only. Other services, such as churches and houses of worship, may open with 50% capacity or less for inside services. All businesses are encouraged to take the ‘Maryland Strong: Back to Business Pledge,‘ which can be printed and posted at storefronts.
Executive Order and Interpretive Guidance
Under the Governor’s latest executive order, county leaders have the authority to make decisions regarding the timing of Stage One reopening. Several jurisdictions have indicated they are not ready to reopen or have modified the state order to meet the needs of their jurisdictions. See actions and press releases below from those jurisdictions. Jurisdictions not listed below are following the Governor’s most recent order and reopened under the state guidelines on May 15.
Anne Arundel – The county will allow manufacturing businesses to reopen, retail businesses to reopen – for curbside pickup only, and personal services to reopen by appointment only. Religious facilities are not permitted to reopen, and gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited. Press release
Baltimore City – The city will keep its stay-at-home order in place, meaning all existing restrictions on retail, religious services and gatherings remain.
Baltimore County – The county will allow retail stores to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery only, and the remaining manufacturing firms initially deemed nonessential can resume operations. But religious institutions may not begin holding worship services and ceremonies indoors, and personal services, including barbershops, nail salons and hair salons, must remain closed. Press release
Charles County – The county plans to extend stay-at-home order until May 29. Press release
Frederick County – The county extended its stay-at-home order with some exceptions. At 5 p.m. Friday, the county will allow retail stores of all sizes to reopen for curbside pickup; retail spaces smaller than 10,000 square feet to reopen at 50% capacity; manufacturing to resume; and animal adoption facilities, car washes and pet groomers to reopen.
After two weeks, if the county hasn’t seen an increase in coronavirus hospitalizations, intensive care stays and nursing home cases, more restrictions will be lifted. Those include reopening barbershops and salons and allowing religious services to resume so long as social distancing measures are in place and attendance is limited to 50% capacity. Press release
Harford County – The county will reopen under the state guidelines on May 15. Press release
Howard County – The county will allow the reopening of many retail businesses for curbside pickup or delivery only, as well as the reopening of pet groomers, animal adoption and car washes at 50% capacity. In-person religious gatherings may resume with no more than 10 people but are encouraged to take place in outdoor settings. Manufacturing firms may reopen, and barbershops and beauty salons can reopen with one customer at a time in the shop. Press release
Montgomery County – The county’s stay-at-home order is in effect until conditions improve. There are five key metrics that need to be met before reopening and a relaxation of restrictions can occur: 1. A sustained decrease during a 14-day period of new cases in an environment of increased testing; 2. A sustained decrease in the COVID-19 related hospitalization rate; 3. A sustained decrease in the percentage of COVID-19 related ICU beds in use; 4. A sustained decrease in the number of COVID-19 related daily deaths; 5. A sustained decrease in the number of COVID-19 related patients going to County emergency rooms. Press release
Prince George’s – The county’s stay-at-home order has been extended to June 1. Press Release
