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Many Maryland Jurisdictions Ready to Implement Tighter COVID Restrictions

December 12th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan did not announce any new pandemic-related restrictions this week, leaving it up to local jurisdictions to decide what’s best for their residents.

Some of those restrictions being put into place across Maryland include:

Baltimore City has closed indoor and outdoor dining, capped indoor social gatherings to 10 people and limited capacity to religious facilities, among other measures.

On Friday, Frederick County will limit indoor gatherings to no more than 15 people and introduce a lower cap for indoor recreation facilities.

Montgomery County 

County Executive Marc Elrich proposed new restrictions to the county council that would go into effect Tuesday at 5 p.m. if approved.

  • Indoor dining would be temporarily stopped. Outdoor dining, takeout and delivery are still OK.
  • Retail store capacity would be limited to one person per 200 feet, and 150 total in a retail establishment.
  • There would be tightened capacity limits on sports and religious gatherings.

 

Prince George’s County 

County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced the new restrictions Thursday, and they go into effect Wednesday at 5 p.m. They will last through Jan. 16.

  • Indoor restaurant dining is put on ice. Outdoor dining will remain at 50% capacity, and restaurants can still offer curbside service and takeout.
  • Capacity at retail stores, currently capped at 50%, will be further reduced to 25% capacity.
  • The casino at MGM National Harbor will be allowed to stay open but also limited to 25% capacity.
  • Capacity at gyms and fitness studios will be cut back to 25%.

 

Anne Arundel County 

County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the new measures Thursday, and they’ll last from Wednesday until at least Jan. 13.

  • Restaurants and food service vendors will only be allowed to offer takeout, delivery or curbside pickup.
  • Retail stores, indoor gyms, personal service establishments (such as salons) and casinos will have their indoor capacity reduced to 25% of their maximum capacity.
  • Religious centers will have their capacity reduced to 33% of their maximums. Outdoor services for Christmas, Hanukkah or other recognized religious holidays will be allowed with attendance capped at 250, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
  • Indoor theaters, performance venues, bingo, bowling alleys, pool halls, roller rinks and indoor ice rinks will be closed under the new order.