Pittman Asks Hogan For More Statewide Coronavirus Regulations

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — With hospitals filling across the state, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman thinks Maryland should tighten its coronavirus regulations. In a Saturday afternoon Facebook post, Pittman urged Gov. Larry Hogan to further reduce eatery capacities and limit social gatherings.

"We must stop dining indoors at restaurants and bars," the county executive said. "We should move as a state back to take-out and provide financial assistance to the workers and owners."

It is unclear whether Pittman plans to pause dining in the county. He recently rolled restaurants and bars back to 25 percent capacity. The state currently allows these businesses to operate at no more than half capacity.

Counties may be more restrictive than they state. They may not be more lenient, however.

"It’s time to act, Governor Hogan," Pittman said.

Anne Arundel County also added restrictions to social gatherings. The county now allows gatherings of 10 people indoors. Maryland suggests capping these crowds at 25.

"We can save lives and save our economy if we limit contacts," Pittman said. "We must stop gathering socially with people outside of our pods."

Hogan has added several coronavirus regulations over the past month. He reduced restaurant capacities and unveiled an enforcement plan. With 29 hospitals nearing their limits, the governor discouraged elective procedures, shifted patients and limited visitations.

Still, researchers predict a swell in coronavirus-related hospitalizations over the winter. Pittman questions whether the state can handle it.

"We’ll look back on this deadly winter and ask if we could have done more to protect our hospitals, our health care heroes, our neighbors, and our families," Pittman said. "We will ask ourselves if we did enough to save lives. Let’s act, Governor Hogan...together."

To catch up on Anne Arundel County's coronavirus trends, click here.

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