Governor Hogan marked the beginning of Maryland’s first Restaurant Week by announcing expanded capacity for indoor dining. Under the latest Executive Order, beginning Monday, September 21 at 5 p.m., capacity for indoor operations at restaurants may increase from 50 to 75 percent, with appropriate distancing, and following strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association. Read the governor’s order.
Maryland Restaurant Week began yesterday Friday, September 18 and will run through Sunday, September 27.
As with other Executive Orders, local jurisdictions have the flexbility to make decisions regarding the timing of reopenings. As reported by the Baltimore Sun,
Harford and Howard counties were the only jurisdictions in the Baltimore area to immediately jump on board with expanded indoor dining.
“We support Harford’s great restaurants and encourage all Marylanders to visit during Maryland Restaurant Week and beyond,” Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, a Republican, said in a statement.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball cited the county’s low positivity rate and ample hospital capacity in deciding to follow Hogan’s order.
Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City have decided not to expand indoor dining capacity. Baltimore County is still evaluating next steps.
