The Governor said the state has made progress in vaccination, and heath metrics are improving.
Annapolis, Md (KM). Citing the increased pace of vaccinations against COVID-19 in Maryland and improving health metrics, Governor Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday that most indoor and outdoor capacity limits will be lifted on Friday, March 12th at 5:00 PM.
“The lifting of these restrictions is a prudent, positive step in the right direction, and an important part of our economic recovery,” Hogan said.
He says capacity limits will be lifted on indoor and outdoor restaurant dining, bars, retail outlets, religious centers, fitness places, casinos and personal services such as hair salons, and indoor recreational facilities. But restaurants will be open for seated and distance services only, and there will be no patrons standing at the bar.
Large indoor and outdoor venues, such as Camden Yards and Pimlico, can operate at 50% of capacity These also include theaters, concerts, conventions, wedding venues, racing facilities and outdoor entertainment and sporting venues.
In both these instances, masking and other safety protocols will remain in place. .
Medical adult day care centers can reopen with restrictions and safety measures in place.
“Quarantine requirements and other restrictions regarding out-of-state travel will also be lifted,” Hogan said. “A Health Department advisory will remain in place, continuing to encourage Marylanders to get tested upon their return to Maryland.”
But the Governor said mask requirements and social distancing remain in place for all indoor and outdoor establishments.
While progress is being made in vaccinating Marylanders against COVID-19, Hogan said it’s not time to let down our guard. “We do need to continue to be vigilant. Businesses or individuals who don’t follow the public health guidance could be endangering their employees, their customers as well as the public,” he said. “And we can’t let a few bad actors spoil it for the rest of us who have done such a great job.”
Governor Hogan also announced that the Western Maryland mass vaccination center at the Premium Outlets in Hagerstown will open on Thursday, March 25th, a week earlier than originally planned.
By Kevin McManus