Governor Hogan Lifts Stay-At-Home Order, Local Jurisdictions Have Flexibility to Implement

Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference yesterday May 13 to announce the commencement of Stage One of the “Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery.” Effective Friday, May 15 at 5:00 PM, the Stay-at-Home order will be lifted and Maryland will move to a Safer-at-Home public health advisory.

The Governor advised that older and more vulnerable individuals should stay home as much as possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so.  Citizens should continue wearing masks in indoor public areas, retail stores, and on public transportation, and everyone should continue practicing physical distancing, continue avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, keep washing their hands often, and frequently sanitize high-touch areas.

Specific details from the Governor’s press release are below.

LOCAL FLEXIBILITY FOR JURISDICTIONS. Governor Hogan’s ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery’ provides a flexible and community-based approach which empowers county leaders to make decisions regarding the timing of Stage One reopening in their individual jurisdictions. Read the new order here.

RETAIL STORES. Governor Hogan announced that retail stores may reopen at up to 50 percent capacity, with curbside pickup and delivery strongly encouraged, and all public health precautions in place. Examples of businesses that may reopen include clothing and shoe stores, pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, car washes, art galleries, and bookstores.

• Guidance and best practices for retail stores.

MANUFACTURING. Governor Hogan announced manufacturing may resume operations in a safe manner which protects the health of employees, with guidelines encouraging multiple shifts and other safety precautions.

• Guidance and best practices for manufacturing.

CHURCHES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP. Churches and houses of worship may begin to safely hold religious services, at up to 50 percent capacity, with outdoor services strongly encouraged. Religious leaders are strongly urged to do everything possible to keep their congregants safe, and particularly to protect the elderly and vulnerable within their congregations.

• Guidance and best practices for religious services.

PERSONAL SERVICES. Some personal services, including barber shops and hair salons, may reopen with up to 50 percent capacity, by appointment only and with appropriate health and safety guidelines.

• Guidance and best practices for personal services.

‘BACK TO BUSINESS.’ Businesses that adopt all safety guidelines are encouraged to take a ‘Back to Business’ pledge.

• Take the pledge here.

Many jurisdictions have already indicated they are not ready to reopen or they are evaluating next steps. Montgomery County has already announced it will remain closed under the stay-at-home order. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young issued a joint statement and are determining next steps. Frederick County is evaluating options and will make an announcement at a later date. Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Howard Counties have also indicated they are not ready to reopen at this time.