NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County officials have issued additional guidance as to which business will be allowed to reopen and which businesses will remain closed when Governor Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order expires at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020.
“Jurisdictions like Baltimore County must do what’s in the best interest of our communities with the health and safety of our residents at the top of that list,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski at a Thursday evening press conference. “After examining the available data and consulting with our public health team, it’s clear that we are not yet in a position to safely move toward a significant reopening.”
Olszewski will issue an executive order stating that effective Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m., Baltimore County will take the following actions:
Prohibition on Gatherings of 10 or More Extended
County Executive Olszewski’s executive action to prohibit gatherings or events to 10 or more people at all locations and venues will remain in place.
Retail Stores Curbside Pickup
Olszewski announced that retail stores that were previously closed in Baltimore County may reopen for curbside pickup and delivery only. There will be no in-store retail permitted aside from those retail establishments already considered essential. Shopping malls must continue to stay closed. All public health precautions should remain in place during pickup and delivery.
Remaining Manufacturing to Reopen
Under Maryland’s previous orders, the vast majority of manufacturing firms in Baltimore County were considered essential and remained open. Beginning Friday at 5 p.m., the remaining manufacturing operations—most of them small businesses—may resume operations in a safe manner which protects the health of employees, with guidelines encouraging multiple shifts and other safety precautions.
In-Person Religious Institutions Remain Closed
Until further notice, religious institutions may not begin holding worship services and ceremonies indoors. The restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people remains in place—and those restrictions will continue to apply to religious gatherings.
Personal Services Remain Closed
Until further notice, all personal services establishments, including barbershops, nail salons, and hair salons, must remain closed.
Residents Should Continue to Stay Home
Residents and visitors to Baltimore County should continue to stay at home unless they are traveling to work or medical appointments, shopping for groceries or picking up other retail goods, or traveling to outdoor recreational opportunities. Older and more vulnerable residents are strongly advised to continue staying home as much as possible.
Residents and visitors should practice safe physical distancing and wear masks in public, and frequently wash their hands and sanitize high-touch areas.
Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so.
Harford County, conversely, will be reopening at 5 p.m. on Friday evening.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has also released guidelines on how and when religious services might resume in the Baltimore area.
Additional details in the graphic below…
