Elrich Pushes For Tougher Restrictions Amid COVID-19 Surge

BETHESDA, MD — Facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said on Wednesday that he wants to suspend all indoor dining and limit capacity in retail establishments.

The restrictions are all part of Elrich's new executive order, which he has sent to the Montgomery County Council for approval. If approved, the restrictions will go into effect on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Outdoor dining, carryout, and delivery would still be allowed. Food and beverages could only be served outdoors between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

"My cases per 100,000 are six, seven, eight times as high as they were this summer," Elrich said during a press conference with leaders of neighboring jurisdictions. "In the face of rising cases, we cannot wait, because the virus won't wait."

Since the pandemic began in March, the county has recorded more than 37,000 cases.

This month alone, there have been seven days in which the county has recorded more than 300 infections. The county shattered its single-daily record for new COVID-19 infections on Dec. 4 — with 631 reported cases.

In an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, Elrich has also reimposed restrictions on retail shops, indoor and religious gatherings, and non-professional sports.

Under his proposal, capacity in large retail establishments — such as big-box stores — would be limited to one person per 200 square feet and capped at 150 people.

Indoor gatherings would be restricted to 10 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings would remain at 25 people.

Religious organizations could have 25 people outdoors without county approval. They could host larger gatherings if they get the county's approval.

Non-professional sports would be limited to 10 people indoors.

"We need a bridge to safety until vaccines arrive and are widely available. Until they're widespread, the only control over the spread of this virus is our own behaviors," Elrich said. "We're determined to do everything we can do to bend the curve again. We know how to do it. We've done it before. We're going to do it again."

SEE ALSO:

• 'Our State Is In A Dangerous Place': MD Coronavirus Expert