County Executive Lets Order On Food Establishments In Frederick County To Expire

She says COVID-19 metrics have improved.

 

 

Frederick, Md (KM) As of Monday, February 22nd, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner is allowing her executive order which restricts the hours of restaurants and bars to expire. . In a statement, Gardner said the health metrics regarding COVID-19 have improved.

That means food service establishments can sell alcoholic beverages after 10:00 PM. But the executive orders from the Governor limiting restaurants and bars to 50% of capacity, and tables be separated by six-feet are still in effect. And no more than six people can be seated at each table. Masks are still required for all restaurant customers, and patrons are not permitted to congregate at the bar.

“While  Frederick County has made progress with vaccinations and seen improvements in the trend of new cases, positivity rats an case per 100,000 population, which provides a sense of optimism, the virus is still with us,” says County Executive Gardner. “Precautions and health directives need to continue to be followed.”

According to County officials, the number of COVID-19 cases to date is 16,715, with 258 deaths. The County’s positivity  rate is 4.6%. That’s down by two points since the Executive Order was revised almost three weeks ago. However, Frederick County remains above the statewide average of 3.91%. The County’s case rate per 100,000 peaked in mid-January, reaching 78., But has been declining steadily. The County’s seven-day moving average case rate is 18.44. Th statewide average is 14.17.

The County Executive urges citizens to do their part by wearing a mask, washing their hands and keeping a distance of six-feet or more from others.

Due to the limited amount of vaccine, the County says clinics will still be providing shots against the coronavirus to health care workers, first responders, people 75 years of age or older, and those between 64 and 75, starting with those born in 1947 and before.

Anyone whose interested in being vaccinated can register for an appointment by going on line to https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/629COVID-19-Vaccine. Or call 301-600-7900. For Spanish speakers, the number is 301-600-7905.

 

By Kevin McManus