The state will enter phase one of the Roadmap to Recovery plan on May 15, 2020.
Governor Larry Hogan has announced the removal of the stay-at-home order effective at 5 p.m. on Friday. As of today, Maryland has hit the 14-day trend lowering the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and intensive care admissions. Phase one is part of a three-phase plan to slowly and safely reopen businesses and public spaces.
This Friday at 5 p.m., the stay-at-home order will be lifted and the state will shift to a “safer-at-home” advisory. Retail stores will be able to open with 50 percent capacity and must adhere to social distancing guidelines and patrons must continue to wear masks. Curbside pickup and delivery is still suggested when possible. Manufacturing facilities can reopen with the appropriate safeguards. Some personal services may resume, including hair salons and barbershops, with 50 percent capacity and by appointment only. Restaurants and bars are not included in this new order but should continue curbside and delivery service.
Churches may begin to hold religious services, with outside services strongly encouraged. Services may be held inside with 50 percent capacity, utilizing masks and the proper social distancing. Clergy are encouraged to pay special attention to keeping the elderly and citizens safe.
Governor Larry Hogan holds a press conference on May, 6 2020, courtesy Joe Andrucyk
Not all counties may be ready to open under this guidance; Prince George's and Montgomery counties have already said they are not ready to move into phase one. The governor wants to remind everyone that we are not safe and this crisis is not over.
“Each and every one of us has an obligation to continue to exercise responsibility for ourselves, for our families, our co-workers, and for our fellow Marylanders so that as a community, together, we can begin to safely get back to work and get back to our daily lives,” said Governor Hogan.
If you are elderly or immunocompromised, you should continue to stay at home. Businesses are encouraged to keep employees working from home if possible, and residents should continue to practice social distancing and wear masks in public. Gatherings of 10 people or more are discouraged.
The governor is hopeful that without a spike in cases or hospitalizations, the state will be able to move into Phase Two in the near future.