Guidelines To Reopen Anne Arundel County Take Effect Friday

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Officials with Anne Arundel County have mapped out the steps to be taken to guide the county toward Stage One of Maryland's "Roadmap to Recovery." The county’s actions will be guided by a series of 12 public health metrics established by Anne Arundel Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman to safeguard residents’ health during the new coronavirus crisis. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Kalyanaraman will monitor and evaluate these metrics and take additional actions when the data suggests it is safe to do so, Pittman noted in a news release.

Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order issued May 13 that lifts the state stay-at-home order gives local leaders the flexibility to make decisions on the timing of Stage One reopening actions in their counties.

“We have likely saved thousands of lives through the sacrifices we have made in recent weeks,” said Pittman in a statement. “I am loosening only the restrictions that should have no significant impact on the spread of this virus. We cannot afford a second spike in new cases.”

The following actions will take effect in Anne Arundel County Friday at 5 p.m. in accordance with Hogan’s executive order:

• Retail businesses as defined in section III b) of the state executive order will be allowed to reopen - but for curbside pickup only. Customers are not permitted inside the establishment and employees must follow physical distancing guidelines.
• Only automatic carwashes are allowed to open at this time.
• Animal shelters are allowed to open in accordance with the state executive order.
• Pet groomers are allowed to open for pet drop-off or pick-up only.
• Beauty salons and barber shops as described in section III d) of the state executive order are allowed to open under the April 20 interpretive guidance (by appointment only with a maximum of one customer in the premises at one time) but customers are no longer required to be “essential” personnel.
• Manufacturing businesses and facilities within the county are allowed to open.
• Religious facilities are not allowed to open. Gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted.
• Face coverings are still required for customers and employees in any retail businesses (including those already permitted to be open prior to 5/15) and residents are encouraged to wear them whenever interaction with others is possible.