HAGERSTOWN, MD (May 28, 2020) – At Governor Hogan’s most recent press conference, the announcement was made that effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020, the State of Maryland will allow for the reopening of multiple activities under Stage One of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery. Please view Governor Hogan’s Executive Order for specific information.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners announces that Washington County will be following the directives from the State of Maryland. Effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020, Washington County will proceed with the additional openings listed in Stage One of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
- Outdoor Dining– restaurants and social organizations (American Legion/VFW/Elks) may begin safely reopening for outdoor dining following strict public health requirements.
- Restaurant patrons must be appropriately distanced, with no more than 6 people seated at a table. Restaurants must use single-use disposable menus or sanitize reusable menus between each use.
- Restaurants must sanitize outdoor tables and chairs, and begin screening procedures, including daily temperature checks of staff. Masks must be worn when interacting with employees or patrons.
- Youth Sports – safe youth sports activities may resume, following CDC guidelines with limited, low contact, outdoor practices. This is specifically for skill-building drills and team-based practice.
- No group may exceed 10 individuals at any time.
- Maintain 6 feet of physical distance
- Outdoor Pools – outdoor pools may also reopen Friday with strict safety guidelines including 25% capacity restrictions and strict physical distancing and sanitization measures.
- Pool visitors will be required to sign-in and sign-out, and pools will be required to post signage warning anyone who is sick not to enter.
- Fitness center and aquatic center pools remain closed.
- Youth Day Camps – outdoor activities at youth day camps may resume with capacity limitations of no more than 10 individuals in a group and daily COVID symptom checks for camp staff and campers.
- Drive-In Movie Theaters – drive-in movie theaters are able to safely reopen.
- Encourage seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home
- Continue teleworking unless essential
- No gatherings over 10 people
- Wear face covering at retail establishments and public transportation
To stay updated on the Stages of Reopening and Recovery in Washington County, Maryland, please visit www.washcorises.net.
As COVID-19 still exists in the County, citizens are reminded to continue washing hands and maintaining appropriate physical distance. Below is an at-a-glance from the initial reopening of Stage One in Washington County, Maryland.