Modified Phase 3 Reopening Takes Effect Friday In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Effective Friday at 5 p.m., Howard County will proceed with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's Phase 3 reopening plan, which includes the opening of enclosed and outdoor theatres with various restrictions and the loosening of restrictions on retail and religious facilities.

“Howard County has seen significant progress in reducing our positivity rate, increasing our testing capacity and reducing hospitalizations since June,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We will move forward with the modified plan the governor laid out this evening but encourage our residents to still tread lightly. We are still very much in a public health crisis and these relaxed restrictions do not mean we should let our guard down. In order to maintain our steady progress, we must continue individual preventative measures – like washing our hands, wearing masks and physically distancing.”

Effective Friday at 5 p.m.:

• Movie theatres and live entertainment venues may operate at 50 percent capacity or a maximum of 100 people indoor, 250 people outdoors
• All retail and churches may increase to 75 percent capacity

"The residents of Howard County have contributed significantly to the Phase 3 reopening. To be successful, all residents must continue to adhere to recommendations and remain cautious,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer.

All Maryland businesses will be able to open this Friday at 5 p.m., pending their county's move into Stage 3.

"I want to remind the people of Maryland that moving into Stage 3 does not mean that this crisis is behind us," Hogan said during a news conference. "We must remain vigilant so we can keep Maryland open for business."

Though businesses now have the state's permission to reopen, counties will handle most of the effort. Jurisdictions can still remain in Stage 2, Hogan said, but he stressed that they now have permission to further reopen if appropriate. If a district chooses to stay in Stage 2, its businesses must follow local orders.

Masks are still required in all public places in Maryland where social distancing is impossible. This includes all outdoor and indoor areas like town centers, shops and restaurants. Hogan reminded residents to continue their coronavirus prevention measures, even around their relatives. People tend to feel safer around their family, but they must still take precautions, he noted.

As of Tuesday, Howard County recorded 4,438 confirmed coronavirus cases so far, with 121 deaths. Maryland recorded an additional 614 coronavirus cases Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 108,863 cases. The state also reported five more coronavirus-related deaths Tuesday. The virus has killed 3,617 Marylanders in total.