Frederick County to Phase in Reopening

FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced plans to phase in the opening of businesses and activities in Frederick County, as the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to create a public health emergency. As of 5 p.m. Friday, May 15, the following will be permitted:

• Curbside pickup at all retail establishments of any size.
• Manufacturing.
• Reopening of small retail businesses (less than 10,000 square feet of space). Under State orders, these stores may only open up to 50% of their capacity, and must follow other guidelines provided by the State and County.
• Reopening of animal adoption facilities, car washes, and pet grooming facilities.

All businesses and activities must continue to follow statewide safety guidelines. Face coverings are required to be worn by customers and staff inside any business or public space. Physical distancing must be observed. Handling of cash must be limited. No gathering may exceed 10 people.

After two weeks, if there is no increase in the utilization of hospital beds or intensive care unit beds in the county, and we do not see an influx of patients from nursing home as test results are known, additional businesses will be permitted to reopen. This includes barbershops and salons, which will be required to set aside morning hours for seniors and other vulnerable residents before opening to other customers. Houses of worship will be allowed to hold services if they enforce physical distancing; require face coverings; and limit attendance to 50% of capacity, with a cap of 250 people.

“I recognize that this has been an exceedingly difficult time for everyone, especially for people who are elderly and vulnerable to COVID, and for our small businesses, which are the heart of our economy and our community,” said Executive Gardner. “We must balance their needs with the public health needs of all our citizens. We all need to do our part to keep Frederick County safe so we can fully reopen our community.”

County government services will continue unchanged from their current status.

An executive order outlining these directives can be found on the County’s website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Executive-Orders.
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