OCEAN CITY – Gov. Larry Hogan’s lifting of certain COVID-related restrictions this week is welcome news, but many of the measures, including mask requirements and social distancing mandates, remain in place.
There is little doubt Hogan’s announcement regarding the easing of certain COVID-19 restrictions on capacity for restaurants, retail stores and gyms and post-travel measures is welcome news for many businesses that continue to struggle during the pandemic. About this same week last year, Hogan directed businesses to shutter for the most part and implemented stay-at-home orders for most Marylanders.
Over the many months since, despite a few peaks and valleys along the way in key COVID health metrics in Maryland, the state has been on a slow, but steady, pace to recovery. The pace quickened somewhat this week with the governor’s easing of more restrictions, but other key requirements including the wearing of masks and the crucial six-foot social distancing remain in place.
Key among the announcements made by the governor this week effective at 5 p.m. on Friday is the lifting of the 50% capacity limits on indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, retail businesses, religious facilities, fitness centers, casinos, personal services and recreational establishments, for example. However, masking, physical distancing and distanced service only will remain in place.
Restaurants and bars will be able to allow seating at adjacent booths as long as a physical barrier separates them and prevents individuals from any physical contact. Tables must continue to be spaced six feet apart, but the capacity limit for a household or a group seated together will be increased from six to 10. There will still be no standing or crowding allowed in restaurants and bars and masks will continue to be required until seated, for example.
Capacity limitations for retail establishments and other businesses will be lifted, but the wearing of masks and social distancing must continue to be observed. Large outdoor and indoor venues, such as theaters, concert, convention and wedding venues, for example, may begin operating at 50%, but again, social distancing must be observed and masks will continue to be required.
Ocean city is WIDE OPEN again like Last summer > No restrictions in Reality > Get Real !!!!!
I WISH!
If it was – the would be a good thing!
Bring your Trump Flags !!!!!!
Funny how they aren’t counting the Covid vaccine related deaths.
This whole time I have not herd of a single Covid death of anyone that me or any of my family has personally known.
Yesterday, a close friend of my sister’s husband dyed 2 days after his VAX from “Inflammation” days after a thorough medical exam that he passed on Monday.
He was 55
AND NO – I”M NOT making this up.
Only thing Govt is counting is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ !!!!!!