But County Executive says she needs clarification on reopening planned for June 19th.
Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County will allow restaurants with indoor dining and outdoor amusements to reopen on Friday, June 12th at 5:00 PM as ordered by Governor Larry Hogan. But County Executive Jan Gardner has some questions om the reopenings announced for next Friday, June 19th.
On Wednesday, Governor Hogan announced progress in the fight against COVID-19, and announced that restaurants with indoor dining can reopen, but at 50% of capacity, tables at least six-feet apart with face coverings worn by customers and employees except when eating or drinking . In addition, groups may be no larger than six people unless it’s a family. Also, outdoor activities such as amusement parks, miniature golf and go-kart tracks can reopen. Outdoor parades, festivals and fundraisers can resume, and child care centers can reopen.
The Governor announced that next Friday, June 19th, indoor fitness centers, indoor pools, shopping malls, bingo halls, bowling alleys and indoor youth sports can resume.
During her public information briefing on Thursday, County Executive Gardner says she needs clarifications on these reopenings set for next Friday. “I do not see any notation on any changes to outdoor pools. So we’re going to seek some clarification on that,” she said.
She also has some concerns about indoor youth sports. “I need to have the time to read and clarify the information and find answers to the questions that surround them. There is some really conflicting information,” says Gardner.
There’s also a concern about outdoor concerts, which can resume this Friday without audiences. “It’s seems there’s some confusion about whether a concert in the park that may be part of a summer series would be allowed, but would not be allowed to have any public attending. So we’re seeking some clarification of that,” she said.
The County Executive says she plans to hold another briefing next week and hopes to have some clarifications on the reopenings planned for Friday, June 19th.
These activities were shut down earlier this year by the Governor to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
At her briefing, County Executive Gardner had some encouraging news about the coronavirus. She said the rate of people in Frederick County testing positive for COVID-19 is 6.5%, which lower than the state’s average. There have also been declines in hospitalizations for the virus, and universal testing of residents and staff in nursing home shows few positive cases.
“We remain cautious and it’s important for each of us do our part through our individual actions and choices to reduce the spread of the virus,” says Gardner. “We need to wear that face covering when we’re out. We need to practice social and physical distancing, and maintain good hygiene like washing our hands frequently.”
By Kevin McManus