Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference today to announce more reopenings in Stage Two of the “Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery.”
“Because of the early and aggressive actions taken, we have not only flattened the curve, we have actually crushed the curve in Maryland. Every one of the important metrics in our state has continued to drop across the board in every single jurisdiction.” said Hogan. He announced that the state positivity rate for COVID-19 is down to 7.2%, more than a 73% decrease since its peak, with ICU beds at an 8-week low.
Hogan announced that effective Friday, June 12 at 5pm, indoor dining will be able to resume at 50% capacity with continued social distancing and following strict public health requirements. Hogan also encouraged local school, if possible, to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies, with appropriate capacity and distancing measures.
Other openings include outdoor amusements and rides, miniature golf, go-kart tracks with proper health and safety protocols as well as outdoor pools increasing to 50% capacity. Indoor gyms and other studio fitness activities (dance studios and martial arts) will also be able to open at 50% capacity. Casinos, arcades, and malls will be able to resume operations beginning June 19 at 5pm.
Hogan reminded Marylanders that the Roadmap to Recovery is based on a flexible, community-based approach and will continue to give local leaders the flexibility they have requested. “The fight against this virus is far from over. In fact, now more than ever, as we begin to come into contact with more people, we must all continue to remain vigilant.” said Hogan.
Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon announced that school systems will now be able to bring small groups of students and staff (10-15 individuals at a time in rooms) into school buildings.
These continued reopenings will follow a community-based approach in which counties will make decisions appropriate for their individual jurisdictions.
More resources below:
Effective 5 p.m. June 12:
- Indoor dining: Maryland Department of Health directives and best practices
- Outdoor amusements: Best practices
Effective 5 p.m. June 19:
- Indoor gym/fitness activities: Best practices
- Arcades, casinos, malls, and racetracks
