Frederick County’s COVID-19 data dashboard now includes the County’s rate of new coronavirus cases, a key metric used to determine when schools may consider reopening for in-person instruction. Guidance from the Maryland State Board of Education said that communities could expand in-person instruction only after their positivity rate drops below 5% and their seven-day average case rate drops to 5 or fewer per 100,000 residents.
Frederick County currently meets only one of the two standards. As of September 7, the County’s seven-day positivity rate was 3.0% and its case rate was 7.2%. The dashboard can be found at FrederickCountyMD.gov/COVIDstats.
Based on health metrics and guidance from the county’s Health Officer, County Executive Jan Gardner determined that Frederick County could conditionally advance the next phase of Governor Hogan’s reopening plan. If the county’s rolling seven-day average case rate reaches or exceeds 10 per 100,000 residents for more than three consecutive days, Phase 3 and portions of Phase 2 reopenings may be rolled back.
“We have made great progress, but we aren’t out of the woods yet,” County Executive Gardner said. “Everyone needs to continue wearing masks and staying 6 feet or more from others. Together, we can avoid a new wave of cases that would delay the reopening of in-person classes for all students in our schools.”
According to a County press release:
The following businesses and activities can resume in Frederick County effective at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 4, as long as recommended best health and safety practices are followed:
- Indoor theater venues, including movie theaters and live performances, may open to a maximum of 50% capacity, up to a maximum of 100 people.
- Outdoor entertainment venues may open at 50% capacity, up to a maximum of 250 people.
- Religious facilities may open at 75% capacity.
- Retail establishments may open at 75% capacity.
Executive Gardner reminds residents and business owners to follow health and safety guidelines from the Maryland Department of Health. Face coverings and physical distancing are required in many settings and otherwise strongly encouraged.
