Last week Governor Hogan announced that restaurants are now allowed to expand their outdoor seating as long as they follow strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association. Those requirements include seating patrons at an appropriate distance with no more than six people at a table and ensuring staff wear masks or face coverings.
Fitness centers, movie theaters, and small shops in malls not included
Governor Hogan announced that a wide variety of non-essential businesses may reopen on Friday, June 5 with certain conditions. Those do not include fitiness centers, movie theaters, and small shops in malls. Mike O’Halloran released the following reaction:
“This is welcome news for Maryland’s small businesses, particularly those the Governor deemed non-essential. Small employers are anxious to get their workers rehired and their customers back. But make no mistake Maryland small businesses still face significant challenges under the Governor’s latest executive order especially those that remain closed under his plan. Fitness centers, movie theaters, and small shops in malls are still wondering when they can reopen.
“Retailers are limited to half of their capacity. Restaurants and bars are still prohibited from allowing their customers indoors. These restrictions will continue to hamper the ability for small businesses to weather this pandemic. And while difficulties remain, small businesses continue to meet these challenges and remain hopeful they will be given additional flexibility sooner rather than later.”
The announcement does include the opening of nail salons, tanning salons, massage/tattoo parlors at 50% capacity, by appointment only, and with strict safety protocols.
You can read the Governor’s the earlier Executive Order here.
Please reach out to your Maryland team with any questions or suggestions – State Director, Mike O’Halloran at [email protected] and Grassroots Manager, Sharon Sykes at [email protected].
