3.11.2021 MD Announces Lifting of Capacity Limits, Masking and Distancing Protocols Maintained

With sustained vaccine progress and significant improvements in all of the state’s key data metrics, Governor Larry Hogan today announced new actions to further ease the COVID-19 mitigation measures currently in place.

EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, MARCH 12 AT 5 PM:

• CAPACITY LIMITS LIFTED, MASKING AND DISTANCING PROTOCOLS MAINTAINED. Capacity limits will be lifted on outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants and bars, retail businesses, religious facilities, fitness centers, casinos, personal services, and indoor recreational establishments. Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place. 
•  LARGE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR VENUES MAY OPERATE AT 50% CAPACITY.  This includes theaters; concert, convention, and wedding venues; racing facilities, and outdoor entertainment and sporting venues. Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place.

• MEDICAL ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS TO REOPEN. Medical adult day care centers may reopen, with facilities able to set appropriate restrictions and safety measures. 
• QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS LIFTED; TRAVEL ADVISORY REMAINS IN PLACE. Quarantine requirements and other restrictions on out-of-state travel will be lifted. A Maryland Department of Health (MDH) travel advisory will remain in place, and Marylanders continue to be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 upon their return from out-of-state travel.

ADDITIONAL ORDERS AND GUIDANCE:

STATEWIDE MASKING ORDER REMAINS IN EFFECT.

TELEWORK.  the state continues to encourage employers to support telework whenever possible.

LICENSING AND PERMITTING. The governor’s order authorizing the suspension of license and permitting expirations will sunset on June 30, 2021.