Businesses Return To Full Capacity In Anne Arundel County

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Businesses can return to full capacity in Anne Arundel, County Executive Steuart Pittman announced Wednesday. The change takes effect Friday at 5 p.m. Until then, all businesses must stay at half occupancy.

The move follows Gov. Larry Hogan's Tuesday announcement that jurisdictions may lift all their capacity restrictions if they wish. Maryland still requires masks in all indoor and outdoor public places where physical distancing is not possible.

Anne Arundel County will retain its social gathering regulations. Crowds must not exceed 10 people inside or 25 people outside. Additionally, the county will still cap food delivery service fees at 15 percent of the original purchase price.

"Since Governor Hogan’s surprise announcement yesterday, I have been discussing the best path forward [with my team]," Pittman said in a press release. "While I believe there is a risk to lifting capacity limits at this time, we are putting our faith in local business owners, operators and customers to continue abiding by the distancing and mask requirements."

Wednesday also saw the passage of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package, called the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Biden is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days. This would send economic relief to residents, businesses and local governments around the country.

"While I appreciate the direct assistance to local government, it is the targeted funds to low income families with children that make this legislation historic," Pittman added, noting that the aid would deliver $113 million to Anne Arundel.

The county executive last eased restrictions on Feb. 25. That reopening allowed businesses capped at 25 percent capacity, including movie theaters and bowling alleys, to expand to half occupancy. Restaurants, retailers and religious facilities jumped to 50 percent volume about a month earlier.

The push to reopen follows a period of declining coronavirus metrics.

New infections hit a record high in mid-January. The county turned the corner, and cases fell by nearly 500 percent by late February. The numbers have oscillated since then, but there haven't been any large spikes.

Anne Arundel has also sped up its immunization rollout. More than 15 percent of county residents have gotten at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

To see when you'll be eligible for the coronavirus inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot. Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Anne Arundel County by heading to our latest numbers update.

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