Governor Hogan announced the tightening of capacity for in-door dining and strongly advised against out-of-state travel and large gatherings during a press conference earlier this week. Three jurisdictions, Baltimore City and Anne Arundel and Montgomery Counties, have announced more stringent COVID-19 restrictions under Governor Hogan’s community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to impose more strict requirements on openings and closures if felt to be necessary.

Effective today, the following rules go into effect in Baltimore City. Mayor’s Executive Order

  • All indoor and outdoor facilities, including restaurants, theaters, malls, casinos, entertainment venues, event spaces and religious facilities, should not exceed 25% of their usual maximum capacity.
  • Bars that are not licensed to sell food may not serve drinks, however they can continue to sell alcohol to go.
  • Restaurants and other food service establishments must halt indoor dining by 11 p.m.
  • Gatherings at homes are limited to 10 people.

Anne Arundel County is staggering effective dates for new restrictions. Press Release and Road To Recovery information

  • Effective Friday, November 13 at 5:00 p.m. – Maximum number of people permitted at a social gathering are 10 indoors and 25 outdoors. (A social gathering is any informal gathering of people that is not explicitly covered in other current executive orders.)
  • Effective Monday, November 16 at 8:00 a.m. – Youth athletics are suspended for all county fields and facilities.
  • Effective Friday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m. – Maximum capacity for indoor dining operations in restaurants, bars and any foodservice establishment will be reduced from 50 percent to 25 percent.

Montgomery County’s restrictions went into effect at 5 p.m. on November 10. Press Release and Executive Order

  • Gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited at locations including parties, receptions, parades, festivals and fundraisers. Large events that are planned must be cancelled or postponed.
  • Capacity is reduced to a maximum of 25 percent for:
    • Fitness centers;
    • Food service establishments (indoors);
    • Museums and art galleries;
    • Retail establishments; and
    • Religious facilities.
  • Capacity is reduced to 25 percent or 25 people—whichever is lower—for bowling venues and for personal services establishments (including hair salons, barbershops, massage and nail salons).
  • Childcare programs must continue to operate at Phase 2 levels currently in effect for providers in Montgomery County.
  • Outdoor playgrounds are exempt from hourly cleaning requirements, as defined in the general operating requirements.
  • Escape room businesses may reopen at a capacity limit of six people.