Governor Announces Initial Steps of Stage 3 Reopening

Date: September 01, 2020

Cites improved health statistics

Governor Hogan announced that beginning Friday, September 4 at 5:00pm, Maryland will take its initial steps into Stage Three of reopening the state’s economy:

  • 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 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.

You can read the full text of the governor’s order here.

Guidance from the state for theater reopening best practices can be found here.

State Director for NFIB in Maryland, Mike O’Halloran, had the following to say about the Governor’s announcement:

“This is certainly a step in the right direction for Maryland’s economy. Small businesses have borne the brunt of this economic crisis. A recent survey by NFIB’s Research Center showed that one-in-five small business owners reported they will have to close their doors if current economic conditions do not improve over the next six months so another step in our state’s economic recovery is welcome news for these business owners.

“As movie theaters and live performance venues join other small businesses in reopening, and retailers increase their capacity, employers will turn their attention towards local leaders, hoping they will follow the standard set by the governor. The governor’s prior executive order giving control to local officials continues to muddy the waters on what business can and cannot do.

“A lot of obstacles remain but we’re hoping this news means more small businesses can begin tackling those hardships.”  

 

Related Content: Small Business News | Maryland

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