Social Gathering Restrictions Lifted In Anne Arundel

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel County will lift its social gathering regulations Tuesday at 5 p.m. Social gatherings included parties, cookouts and family events. They were previously capped at 10 people inside or 25 people outside.

"This decision to loosen restrictions is based on trust," County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a press release. "Trust that our residents will do their part to end this pandemic by getting vaccinated as soon as possible. To avoid future COVID surges and the need for safety restrictions, we must reach herd immunity."

Health Metrics

Experts have varying opinions on how many inoculations it will take to reach herd immunity. That is the point where so many people are immune that the virus starts to die off.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, told the New York Times that 90 percent of the country would need the vaccine to achieve herd immunity. Harvard Epidemiologist Dr. Marc Lipsitch estimated that 74 percent would need the shot to reach this point. Lipsitch noted that his prediction was based only on math and not real-world behavior.

Thirty percent of Anne Arundel County residents are fully immunized. About 43 percent have gotten at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

The case rate and percent positivity are at their lowest clips since March 18. On Sunday, hospitalizations were at their best mark since April 2. Inpatients have since increased slightly.

Current Restrictions

Anne Arundel County last eased coronavirus regulations on March 12. That's when Pittman allowed most businesses to expand to full capacity. Customers still must stay 6 feet apart and wear their masks when they aren't seated at a table.

Large venues are limited to half capacity. This includes indoor and outdoor facilities for:

• Concerts
• Movies (Except drive-in theaters)
• Performances
• Sports
• Weddings

Pittman's 46th executive order is not yet posted online. It will soon be available at this link.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

Anybody 16 or older can now get the coronavirus vaccine at providers across the state. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot.

Catch up on the infection and inoculation metrics in Anne Arundel County with our most recent numbers update. Head to Patch's immunization page to keep up with Maryland's latest vaccine news.

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