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Alerts and Updates

Maryland Enters Stage Two of Reopening Plan, Lifting Restrictions for Nonessential Businesses, Subject to Local Orders

June 4, 2020

Maryland Enters Stage Two of Reopening Plan, Lifting Restrictions for Nonessential Businesses, Subject to Local Orders

June 4, 2020

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Local governments maintain the authority to retain limitations that are stricter than those in place statewide.

On June 3, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that effective Friday, June 5, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., the state would begin stage two of the its three-stage recovery plan. Maryland began stage one three weeks ago, when Governor Hogan lifted the stay-at-home order that had been in place since March 30, 2020.

Local governments maintain the authority to retain limitations that are stricter than those in place statewide. Marylanders should therefore consult county-specific resources for continued updates on this evolving situation.

Nonessential Businesses May Reopen, Subject to Local Orders

Effective June 5, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., Governor Hogan will lift the order requiring nonessential businesses to close and the following will be permitted in Maryland, subject to local orders:

  • Nonessential businesses may reopen, including manufacturing, all retail stores, specialty vendors, wholesalers, warehouses, offices, banks, auto showrooms, technology firms and travel agencies.
  • Businesses that offer personal services, such as nail salons, massage parlors, tanning salons and tattoo parlors, may reopen with limitations, such as operating by appointment only and at up to 50 percent capacity.
  • Much of Maryland’s state government operations will resume, although the Motor Vehicle Administration and other customer-facing agencies will gradually reopen on an appointment-only basis.
  • The state Department of Education will continue with its plan to reopen child care centers as more people return to work.

Restrictions Still in Place

Restaurants may not open for indoor dining and remain subject to restrictions announced on May 27. Gyms have not been permitted to reopen.

Face masks are encouraged for all face-to-face interactions for all businesses. Businesses are also encouraged to check their employees’ temperatures on a regular basis and to limit the proximity of their employees by rotating employee hours, splitting schedules and/or staggering start times for employees.

Marylanders, and particularly those who are vulnerable or are in contact with anyone who is vulnerable, should continue to follow CDC guidelines and stay at home as much as possible. Marylanders who can work from home should continue to do so. All Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing and wearing face masks at indoor public places.

About Duane Morris

Duane Morris has created a COVID-19 Strategy Team to help organizations plan, respond to and address this fast-moving situation. Prior Alerts on the topic are available on the team’s webpage.

For More Information

If you have any questions about this Alert, please contact Robert B. Hopkins, Carla N. Murphy, Allison M. Midei, any of the attorneys in our Baltimore office, any member of the COVID-19 Strategy Team or the attorney in the firm with whom you are regularly in contact.

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.