Governor Hogan held a press conference this afternoon to set further restrictions on hospitals, restaurants, retail, and other establishments. The Governor stated that Maryland is now in the red zone. The State has gone 13 straight days with more than 1,000 new cases being reported each day. Maryland’s positivity rate is now 6.85% in 20 out of 24 jurisdictions and 18 jurisdictions have more than 20 cases per 100,000.
Governor Hogan announced that effective Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. – Emergency Order
- Bars, restaurants and places where food and alcohol are served must close by 10 p.m. and can’t reopen until 6 a.m. Takeout and delivery may continue after that time.
- 50% capacity restrictions for retail businesses, religious institutions, personal services, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls and other similar establishments.
- No fans allowed at pro or collegiate stadiums or racetracks.
He also announced Maryland’s surge response at hospitals and nursing homes – Amended Healthcare Directive
- Ordering hospitals to restrict hospital visitation statewide, with some exemptions.
- Warning hospitals to avoid elective procedures that aren’t urgent or life-saving. Elective Procedure Order
- Hospitals nearing capacity, or full, may transfer patients to other hospitals that are able to provide care.
- Limited visitation at Maryland nursing homes, with proof of negative test within 72 hours of visit. Order on Nursing Home Matters
- Mandatory, twice-weekly testing for staff at Maryland nursing homes, and mandatory weekly testing for nursing home residents.
The Governor further reiterated that a mask order is still in effect. Masks are required to be worn in indoor public areas, on public transportation, and in outdoor areas when you can’t physically distance.
View the slides from today’s press conference.
