Baltimore County Permits More Indoor Dining; Exec Gives Warning

Baltimore MD

21 September, 2020

12:15 PM

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BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Restaurants in Baltimore County will open at 75 percent capacity Monday at 5 p.m. as the governor's order allowing an expansion of indoor dining takes effect. "This dangerous disease is still with us, and we must continue to follow public health guidance," County Executive Johnny Olszewski said, encouraging people to wear masks outdoors and keep 6 feet of distance from those not in one's household. "We know that COVID-19 spreads more easily indoors than outdoors, so as we move forward today, we continue to urge residents to prioritize less risky activities in their support of restaurants, such as carry-out and outdoor dining," Olszewski said. There are 17,486 cases of the virus in Baltimore County, state health officials say, and the positivity rate is 2.3 percent. "Baltimore County continues to see progress in major health metrics as we have gradually and safely reopened our economy," Olszewski said. "While we are continuing to align with the state, we cannot let our guard down." Local officials say they will be ensuring people are taking proper precautions, such as wearing face coverings inside businesses and staying 6 feet apartment from people outside one's household. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to strictly enforce state and local ordinances," Oszewski said. "Any businesses found to be violating face-covering or social distancing mandates will be held accountable." To promote mask usage, Baltimore County has launched the Be Safe to Stay Safe campaign, which talks about the by wearing face coverings and socially distancing — especially while indoors. See Also: Indoor Dining Can Increase In Maryland Starting Monday: HoganConfirmed Coronavirus Case Total In Baltimore County At 17,486BCPS Reopening Plan: Two Groups May Return For In-Person Classes