The closure order on non-essential businesses will be lifted on Friday, June 5, 2020.
Maryland has reached another milestone in its Roadmap to Recovery and is making the move to Stage Two. In a press conference at the State House in Annapolis, Governor Larry Hogan announced that for the last 14 days the percentage of positive cases was 15 percent or lower, meeting the CDC goal to move to Stage Two. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5, non-essential businesses including retail stores, manufacturing, auto dealerships, and other financial and personal service businesses. Nail salons, tanning salons, and massage parlors will also be allowed to open at reduced capacity.
The state has also successfully increased the number of tests conducted daily, with 14,385 tests completed in the last 24 hours. On June 2, the rate of positive cases was below 10 percent for the first time since April 14. Virtually all retail businesses will be allowed to reopen, along with offices, specialty vendors, warehouses, financial institutions, tech firms, construction, manufacturing, insurance agencies, and other personal services. Nail salons, massage parlors, and tanning salons can reopen at 50 percent capacity and by appointment only. All businesses are encouraged to follow health and safety protocols, including adjusting shifts in order for employees to social distance.
“Just because Marylanders can return to the office doesn’t mean they should, and employees that can telecommute should continue teleworking whenever possible,” Hogan said. “Safety must remain a top priority for every single business in our state.”
Courtesy Governor Larry Hogan
The state government will also begin to reopen beginning on Monday, June 8. The MVA and other customer-facing agencies will open branches in phases, on an appointment-only basis. Unfortunately, bars and restaurants will not be allowed to open indoor dining rooms, and gyms must remain closed. If the trends continue at the same pace, the governor hopes to be able to reopen amusement, fitness, and sport facilities around the end of June.
What's the first place you're going to go when Maryland officially enters Stage 2? Tell us in the comments!
