As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to spike across the state, Frederick County today announced new limits on indoor gatherings and for large indoor recreation establishments.
In a joint public health advisory, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner and Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer announced that all indoor gatherings should be limited to no more than 15 people. County Executive Gardner also issued an Executive Order to limit capacity at large indoor recreational facilities to 50 people or fewer.
“We know the virus spreads when people are around others for an extended time,” said County Executive Jan Gardner.” “By keeping gatherings small, we can slow the spread and prevent overwhelming our health care system.”
According to a County press release:
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among county residents reached 8,226 on Thursday, with 152 new cases in the past 24 hours. Hospitalizations for the virus are at record highs. Large gatherings can become super-spreading events. The joint advisory follows a recommendation from Johns Hopkins University and other national public health experts.
Indoor recreation establishments include bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, roller and ice skating rinks, and social and fraternal clubs. A statewide restriction currently limits all indoor recreation to 50% capacity. If that reduced capacity limit would allow more than 50 people, the County order would then lower that facility’s limit to 25% capacity. The 25% cap also applies in areas where food and beverages are served within those recreation facilities.
