Montgomery Enters Phase Two Of Reopening, Lifts More Restrictions

ROCKVILLE, MD — Maryland's most populous jurisdiction is one step closer to a pre-pandemic normal.

On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council approved a regulation that moves the county into phase two of its three-phase reopening plan.

The reopening plan, which was adopted by lawmakers last month, is based on the percentage of residents that have been vaccinated. Phase two is triggered once 60 percent of residents have gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The county reached that milestone on Monday.

Here's what to expect under phase two:

• indoor gathering limits increase to 250 people;
• outdoor gathering limits are lifted;
• most businesses — including restaurants and religious facilities — expand to 75 percent capacity;
• smoking is allowed at cigar and hookah bars;
• convention and banquet facilities are limited to 50 percent of their maximum capacity; and
• camps can accept campers from outside the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region

"We are grateful to all our residents who have stepped up to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community," said Council President Tom Hucker. "We are thrilled to be able to restore a sense of normality for our business owners and residents who have made tremendous sacrifices for more than 14 months to protect public health."

In addition to loosening coronavirus restrictions, the health regulation also lifts the outdoor mask mandate and allows fully vaccinated residents to go without masks indoors (except in healthcare facilities, on public transit, and in schools). Unvaccinated residents must wear a mask in indoor public spaces until May 28 — when the order will be rescinded and the county will move into phase three of reopening.

Phase three is triggered once 50 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated — which is two weeks after residents receive their final dose. At that time, the county will get rid of any local restrictions and will instead adhere to current state guidelines.

Since last week, all state-imposed restrictions on restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues have been lifted.