Maryland Begins Stage Three

As a result of improved COVID-19 health metrics across the state, Governor Hogan announced on September 1 that Maryland will begin to move into Stage Three of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery’ with additional safe and gradual reopenings. Stage Three will be implemented in multiple phases with a flexible, community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of reopenings.

As part of the state’s initial entry into Stage Three, Governor Hogan announced the following additional safe and gradual reopenings that will take effect Friday, September 4 at 5 p.m.:

• INDOOR THEATERS. Indoor theaters where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 100 people per auditorium—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
• OUTDOOR VENUES. Outdoor venues where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown outdoors may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 250 people—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
• RETAIL AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES. Capacity for retail establishments and religious facilities may increase from 50 to 75 percent.

Read the full news release here.

On Friday, September 18, Governor Hogan announced expanded capacity for indoor dining, effective Monday, September 21 at 5 p.m.:

• RESTAURANTS. Capacity for indoor operations at restaurants may increase from 50 to 75 percent, with appropriate distancing, and following strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association. 

Read the full news release here.

On August 27, Governor Hogan announced that every county school system in Maryland is now fully authorized to begin safely reopening. Learn about the safe reopening of Maryland’s schools here.