US: Officials maintaining COVID-19 restrictions in Maryland as of Jan. 15 /update 15

Event

Authorities in Maryland are maintaining previously imposed travel and business restrictions as of Jan. 15 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Local officials in multiple counties maintain more restrictive measures in place.

Under the current directives, all travelers entering Maryland for nonessential reasons must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival or obtain a negative COVID-19 test, taken upon arrival in the state or within the 72 hours prior to their travel. The order applies to those entering from any out-of-state location, except the District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. State authorities also maintain an advisory strongly urging residents to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, as well as any nonessential activity.

Additionally, restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments must close daily for in-person services 2200-0600; however, delivery and pickup services may continue during those hours. Indoor bar and restaurant operations must be limited to 50-percent capacity, and all patrons must be seated and socially distanced. Retail stores, places of worship, personal care services, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, and outdoor entertainment venues must operate at no more than 50-percent capacity.

Indoor movie theaters and live performances may open, allowing up to 50-percent of the facility's maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is less. Outdoor venues for live performances or movies may also open at 50-percent capacity or up to 250 people, whichever is less. Fans are not allowed at racetracks or stadiums for any professional or collegiate events. All residents and visitors over the age of five must wear protective face coverings in publicly-accessible indoor spaces across the state, as well as in outdoor settings whenever social distancing measures are not possible. All establishments must enforce social distancing guidelines, implement enhanced sanitization procedures, and ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Local Restrictions
Officials in multiple counties have imposed additional, stricter measures in several settings. Authorities in the city of Baltimore have ordered indoor gatherings to be limited to no more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25 people. Food and drink establishments must cease serving patrons on-premises and may only operate for delivery and pickup services. Indoor entertainment businesses must also close; outdoor businesses, personal care businesses, gyms, and fitness centers may operate at 25-percent capacity.

In Montgomery County, food and drink establishments must cease indoor services; outdoor services may continue. Large retail stores cannot allow more than 150 people inside their premises at a time. Gatherings must be limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, and gyms and places of worship can operate at a maximum of 25-percent capacity. In Prince George's County, indoor dining is prohibited; outdoor dining areas may operate at 50-percent capacity. Retail stores and casinos may operate at 25-percent capacity.

In Anne Arundel County, indoor services at food and drink establishments may open at 25-percent capacity, and outdoor dining is allowed at 50-percent capacity. Retail stores, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, social clubs, and personal care businesses must operate at no more than 25-percent capacity; places of worship may operate at 33-percent capacity. Social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent hand-washing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.