Important information for small MD businesses
Governor Hogan has issued a new Executive Order requiring the use of face coverings by customers over the age of nine at any retail or food service establishment. Further, all retail and food service employees will be required to wear face coverings while working.
The Governor’s order also requires retail establishments to, in good faith and to the extent possible, post signage about the requirement of face coverings, display with signage, tape or other means, six-foot spacing for persons in line, and provide staff and customers with clean restrooms stocked with soap or hand sanitizer.
A number of counties have also issued requirements that employees wear face masks while working in grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail establishments. Those directives are now in place in Prince George’s, Charles, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel Counties.
The Baltimore City Council has passed a resolution to require face masks, and while Mayor Jack Young has endorsed the idea, it is not yet a requirement of citizens.
Since the situation changes hourly expect new information as other counties may soon follow suit or even change their existing rules. The best option is to check your county webpage for the latest. Also, each directive may differ. For example, one may require large chains to have employees wear face masks, whereas others may include all designated essential businesses. There may be more detailed instructions by county, such as requiring employers to provide the face coverings or help employees obtain them. Social distancing and the number of people allowed in the business may also be part of the directive.
NFIB’s State Director in Maryland, Mike O’Halloran, is available if you have any questions. Click on his name to send an email.
