Effective this Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m., we will be lifting the Stay at Home order and moving instead to a Safer at Home public health advisory.
We are also issuing guidelines for the safe reopening of certain establishments beginning at 5 p.m. on May 15. Retail stores in Maryland may reopen with up to 50% capacity and with strong social distancing, masking, and other safety precautions and while continuing to strongly encourage curbside pickup and delivery. Manufacturing may resume operations in a safe manner, and some personal services, including barber shops and hair salons, may reopen at up to 50 percent capacity by appointment only and with appropriate health and safety guidelines. Pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, car washes, art galleries, and some other activities will also be able to begin reopening.
Churches and houses of worship may begin to safely hold religious services. Holding services outside is strongly encouraged. Inside services may be permitted at 50 percent capacity or less with appropriate distancing, masking, and safety protocols strongly advised.
We are providing for a flexible, community-based approach which empowers individual county leaders to make decisions regarding the timing of Stage One reopenings in their individual jurisdictions.
I want to be very clear: while lifting the Stay at Home order and gradually moving into Stage One of our recovery is a positive step forward, it does not mean that we are safe or that this crisis is over. All Marylanders, particularly those older and more vulnerable populations, are advised to continue staying home as much as possible. Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees whenever possible, and individuals who can work from home should continue to do so. People should continue wearing masks in indoor public areas, retail stores, and on public transportation. At all times and everywhere, Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing, staying 6 feet apart, and avoiding close gatherings of 10 people or more. Everyone should keep washing their hands often and frequently sanitizing high-touch areas.
Each and every one of us has an obligation to continue to exercise responsibility for ourselves, for our families, for our co-workers, and for our fellow Marylanders, so that as a community, together we can begin to safely get back to work and get back to our daily lives.
More details here: https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/05/13/stage-one-governor-hogan-announces-gradual-reopenings-with-flexible-community-based-approach/
