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Wrap-up of news stories taken from the day's local headlines.

Baltimore COVID-19 mandates will remain in place despite Gov. Hogan lifting several restrictions

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore City's COVID-19 mandates will remain in place despite Governor Larry Hogan's order easing several restrictions, including capacity limits on businesses. 

Earlier this week, Governor Hogan announced several COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted throughout Maryland starting at 5 p.m. Friday, March 12. 

Citing public health indicators, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued an executive order that maintains the city’s current public health mandates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1OTZPzJbrQ

ALSO READ: Mayor Scott reacts to Gov. Hogan easing COVID restrictions, Baltimore gun violence

 
“Baltimore City will stay the course and make a responsible decision at the pace we originally established. Although the latest trends in public health data are promising, Baltimore is not in the clear just yet,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, I am calling on Baltimore City residents to consider the health and safety of your neighbors and loved ones who are still navigating the ongoing pandemic. Please avoid large gatherings, practice physical distancing, and continue to wear a mask.”

For Baltimore City, the below COVID-19 manadates will remain in place: 

  • Gatherings: Gatherings will need to comply with any relevant capacity based upon the space in which they are located.
  • Religious Facilities: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
  • Retail Establishments and Malls: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
  • Indoor Recreational Establishments: All indoor recreation sites except hookah/cigar lounges will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity.
  • Outdoor Recreational Establishments: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
  • Organized Amateur Sports: Allowed with certain guidelines in place.
  • Fitness Centers: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy. Fitness classes are allowed — 10 person limit or 25 percent capacity, whichever is greater. Social distancing and masks required.
  • Casinos: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy. Dining areas allowed to reopen, following the requirements of food service establishments.
  • Libraries: Limited to 25 percent maximum occupancy.
  • Museums, Zoos, Aquariums: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
  • Foodservice Establishments: Outdoor dining can resume at 50 percent capacity. If space is tented, the tent needs to be open on all sides. Indoor dining can resume at 25 percent capacity. Bars without food licenses will also be allowed to reopen — 50 percent outdoors, 25 percent indoors. 
    • The one-hour time limit is removed.
    • Carry-out, delivery, and drive-through service may continue. 
    • All foodservice establishments must keep a log of contact information for patrons and staff for contact tracing purposes.
  • Personal Services: Limited to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
     
    • Staff must wear face coverings at all times while indoors. 
    • Services must be provided on an appointment-only basis, and a log must be kept of names of customers, staff providing services, and other residents who enter the shop.
  • Theaters and Outdoor Entertainment Venues: Live streaming of performances is allowed. Live entertainment is permitted as long as performers wear masks and adhere to social distancing.
    • Indoor theaters are limited to the lesser of 25 percent occupancy or 100 persons.
    • Outdoor entertainment venues are limited to the lesser of 25 percent occupancy or 250 persons.
Baltimore native, Micarie Kemp has always been passionate about working in the media.