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

On June 10, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that the next round of phased reopenings would begin on June 12, 2020, with another round to follow on June 19, 2020, all subject to local orders. These reopenings continue the state’s implementation of stage two of its three-stage recovery plan. Maryland began stage one last month, 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.

June 12 Reopenings

Effective Friday, June 12, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., the following will be permitted, subject to local orders:

• Indoor dining. Restaurants may resume indoor operations at 50 percent capacity, with appropriate distancing, and following strict public health requirements.
• Outdoor amusements. Outdoor amusements and rides, including miniature golf and go-kart tracks, may resume with appropriate health and safety protocols. Capacity restrictions at pools may increase to 50 percent with strict safety guidelines still in place.

June 19 Reopenings

Effective Friday, June 19, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., the following will be permitted, subject to local orders:

• Indoor fitness activities. Indoor gyms, martial arts, dance and other indoor studio fitness activities may begin to reopen at 50 percent capacity with strict health, distancing and sanitation measures.
• Casinos, arcades and malls. Casinos, arcades and malls may begin to resume operations with strict safety protocols.

School and Child Care Reopenings, Subject to Local Orders

The governor encouraged local school systems to hold safe outdoor graduation ceremonies with appropriate capacity and social distancing measures in place. School systems may now begin bringing small groups of 10 to 15 people into school buildings and are encouraged to prioritize summer instruction for vulnerable populations and students most at risk of falling behind. All nonpublic special education schools may reopen to serve students with disabilities.

Outdoor high school sports may resume practice and training activities with the same guidelines previously announced for youth sports programs.

Child care providers may begin to reopen. The number of individuals child care providers can have in one room has been expanded to a maximum of 15.

Other Restrictions to Remain in Place

Marylanders, and particularly those who are vulnerable or are in contact with anyone who is vulnerable, should continue to follow CDC guidelines and to 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.