The County Council today approved County Executive Marc Elrich’s Executive Order 139-20AM2 that eliminates indoor dining and provides other restrictions, effective at 5 p.m. today (Dec. 15), according to a press release.
Outdoor dining, carry-out, delivery and drive-through food service may continue, though outdoor dining is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. under an existing order from Gov. Larry Hogan.
Other restrictions going into effect include:
- Indoor sports gatherings limited to a maximum of 10 people
- Maximum capacity for retail establishments reduced to one person per 200 square feet of retail space, not to exceed 150 people, and
- Religious institutions remain at 25% capacity indoors and would need a letter of approval for outdoor services of more than 25 participants, a change from the previous 150-person allowance with a letter.
A large retail business that wants to allow more than 150 people after Wednesday, Dec. 23 may request a letter of approval online by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.
The letter must include “a business’ plan for monitoring the number of people in the building at any given time and provide information on how social distancing will be ensured at the entrance, exit and check-out lines,” according to the release.
Elrich released the order, which required council approval, on Dec. 9, citing rises cases of COVID-19 in the county and increases in the number of patients entering hospitals.
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