What you need to know about reopening Anne Arundel County
When the coronavirus first touched down in Maryland nearly three months ago, closures and restrictions were implemented slowly at first and then a shutdown order sent everyone inside.
Now, as the metrics are steadying in some areas and decreasing in others, Gov. Larry Hogan has lifted the stay-at-home order and is slowly undoing his various restrictions, passing the burden of choice to local leaders to decide when their communities are ready to safely reopen.
In Anne Arundel County, the most recent permissions will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, including outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, limited capacity in-person shopping at nonessential businesses and new allowances for outdoor activities — all with strict social distancing guidelines and safety measures in place.
Though the officials are beginning to lift coronavirus-related restrictions, they warn the battle is not yet over. There is still no cure and no vaccine. Going out still means the risk of contracting the virus or spreading it unknowingly.
Can I go out to eat with my family?
Restaurants in Anne Arundel County and
Annapolis are allowed to open for outdoor dining, after more than two months of only being allowed to provide carry out and delivery.
Restaurants are required to modify floor plans to ensure that patrons are seated at least 6-feet from each other, except members of the same household, and are encouraged to use markings to implement social distancing in areas where patrons or staff would normally congregate. Staff will be required to wear face coverings when interacting with patrons.
Are businesses allowed to have customers in their stores?
Yes. Non-essential retail businesses can begin to welcome customers for in-person shopping at a capacity calculated by one person per 150 square feet. Masks or cloth face coverings are required in all retail settings.
Do I have to wear a mask in public?
A county order requires that all people wear face coverings in retail businesses, both essential and nonessential. In other public settings, wearing a face-covering is strongly recommended but not required.
Can I get a haircut?
Yes, but you have to make an appointment first and wait for your appointment outside the shop. Hair salons and barbershops are allowed to operate at a reduced capacity. The limit is calculated by one person per 100 square feet to allow for social distancing measures. Salons and barbershops are allowed to perform hair services only.
Face coverings are required by all staff and patrons, except to the extent that it would make it impossible to get a hair cut, according to the county health guidance.
Can my I sign my child up for summer camp?
Registration for modified county summer camps will begin June 11. While traditional camps are canceled, camps that have no more than eight children and two staff are permitted beginning July 6.
Can my family visit county parks and beaches?
County parks and beaches are open, but
Pittman warned swimmers that the water had not been tested yet.
Keep in mind that if you visit a county park, playgrounds, restrooms and visitors centers are closed.
Basketball and tennis courts are now open but no organized activities are allowed.
Dog parks and dog beaches are also open again and park pavilions are available only with a reservation.
Can I go swimming in an outdoor pool?
Not yet. Outdoor pools will begin being inspected Friday on a rolling basis and will be opened once they are approved.
Can I go to church?
Anne Arundel churches and religious facilities are still being held to the 10 person gathering limit.
Religious leaders can choose to provide ministry to groups that don’t exceed that number if social distancing measures are followed, but many religious communities are using digital platforms to stream services and connect.
Pittman is expected to release guidance for religious facilities on indoor services in the coming days.