On January 28th, Governor Larry Hogan issued an emergency order stating that, as of this Monday, bars and restaurants will no longer be required to close at 10 p.m. (though the statewide order for 50% indoor capacity at restaurants will remain in place). The order purportedly follows several weeks of improving COVID-19 metrics, as Governor Hogan has stated in his press release:
“With our data trends showing continued improvement, the holiday surges behind us, and the increasing speed of vaccinations, we are now able to take this step…Marylanders must continue to remain cautious and vigilant in order to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe and healthy.”
In recent weeks, the state has distributed an additional $80 million in economic assistance to Maryland hotels and restaurants. $30 million has been allocated to the state’s relief program for food service establishments, and a new grant opportunity distributing a total of $50 million is available for hotels and hospitality businesses across Maryland. Combined with the new RELIEF Act of 2021, which provides direct stimulus and tax relief to Marylanders and small businesses, $1.7 billion has been committed in COVID-19 relief thus far.
In addition to these actions, on January 27th Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman signed Executive Order #42, which raises capacity limits for restaurants, places of worship, retail establishments, and other businesses. According to Executive Pittman,
“Since January 11, we have seen a steady decline in case rates, and just recently hospitalizations have started to drop. Models suggest that both will continue their downward trend, thanks to vaccinations and warmer weather on the way. But we must keep our guard up. If we continue to wear masks and avoid gatherings, we believe that it is safe to lift most of the November and December restrictions. Our goal is to get people back to work and allow sports to resume. Doing both while also reopening our schools by March 1 are only possible if we as individuals continue to protect ourselves and our neighbors. I trust that Anne Arundel County residents will do their part.”
Amended actions include:
- Personal Services Establishments (hair stylist, nail salons, barbers), Religious Facilities, Retail Establishments, Fellowship Addiction Recoveries, Foodservice Establishments, Social Clubs, Fitness Centers, Bowling Alleys/Roller Rinks/Indoor Ice Rinks, and Gaming Facilities (casinos) – increased to 50% capacity
- Indoor theaters (including movie theaters)/Outdoor Performance Venues, Pool Halls, Adult Entertainment Venues, and All Outdoor Sporting Venues – permitted at 25% capacity
- Indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor social gatherings of more than 25 people remain prohibited.
