Theaters Reopen, Restaurants Expand Capacity In Prince George's

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Businesses may expand their capacities in Prince George's, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Thursday. Her decision also reopened movie theaters, which have been closed since March. These establishments expanded to 50 percent capacity Friday at 5 p.m.:

• Restaurants: The occupancy cap applies to indoor and outdoor seating. Distancing is still required between tables, which may mean some restaurants cannot fully reach half capacity
• Theaters
• Gyms: Masks are still required while working out
• Banquet Halls, Receptions and Meeting Rooms
• Religious Facilities: Distancincing is required between attendees
• Personal Services: These businesses must operate on an appointment-only basis
• Retailers

A full list of business guidelines is available here. The updated executive order is posted at this link.

Prince George's will also retain its social gathering regulations. Crowds must not exceed 20 people inside or 50 people outside.

Though Alsobrooks gave the county a little more leniency, her rules are more restrictive than the state's.

On Tuesday, Gov. Larry Hogan gave jurisdictions permission to 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. Counties may have stricter rules than the state, but they may not have looser regulations.

"We are not ready to open as far as the rest of the State at this point," Alsobrooks said in a press release. "Because COVID-19 affected us so deeply, we will continue to be careful."

The county executive is encouraged by the improving coronavirus situation. She cheered the declining metrics and the rising vaccination rate. These successes come thanks to a combination of state and local efforts.

On Wednesday, Hogan quadrupled the number of shots reserved for Prince Georgians at the Six Flags America mass immunization site. The county also created a team of mobile vaccinators to serve hard-to-reach populations.

The joint operations have helped Prince George's achieve two straight weeks of record inoculation numbers. The county still has the lowest vaccination rate in the state, however.

"We are pleased by the information the Health Department is seeing," Alsobrooks added. "We will continue to follow the guidance of our Health Department to facilitate a safe reopening."

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

To see when you'll be eligible for the 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 Prince George's County by heading to our latest numbers update.

RELATED:

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• Coronavirus Vaccine: Prince George's County Lays Out Timeline
• How To Get Coronavirus Vaccine In Prince George's County
• Vaccine Allocation Quadruples For Prince Georgians At Six Flags
• Mobile Vaccinators Help Prince George's Speed Up Rollout

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