Non-Essential Businesses Reopen June 1 In Anne Arundel, Annapolis

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Starting June 1, barber shops, beauty salons and other "non-essential" retail businesses will begin the process of reopening in the county. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the new measures the county intends to take to guide the process, which will make Anne Arundel County the first Maryland county to set maximum occupancy for non-essential retail businesses based on gross square footage. Pittman said this has a direct relationship to safe social distancing requirements.

The Phase One reopening actions announced remain contingent upon continued progress on public health metrics.

“This action allows small businesses to operate and people to get back to work, while limiting the potential spread of the virus,” said Pittman in a news release. "We all want this to succeed, so I am confident that our business owners, employees and customers will comply with safety guidelines and help our county businesses reopen responsibly."

Non-essential businesses are currently operating under county executive order #21, which allows curbside pickup only. Beginning June 1, these businesses will be allowed to open to customers. The maximum number of occupants, both customers and employees combined, will be calculated based upon 150 square feet per person. Businesses will be required to have protective measures in place regarding physical distancing and face coverings will be required for everyone in the store. Specific details and guidance are being prepared by the county department of health and will be released this coming week.

According to the county, it based its 150-square-foot measurement for non-essential retail businesses based upon CDC guidelines that recommend social distancing of 6 feet between people. The area of a 6-foot-distance around one person is a circle of approximately 113 square feet.

Barbers and beauty salons are currently open for hair services only, but limited to one customer per establishment. Beginning June 1, the maximum number of occupants will be calculated based on 100 gross square feet per person due to the small footprint of many facilities and the necessity of closer personal interaction in order for services to be provided, the county stated.

The City of Annapolis will use the same guidelines for continuing the Phase One reopening sequence. Patrons must observe physical distancing and wear a face covering in all retail establishments, too.

“We are balancing the needs of businesses and our economy in getting people back to work. At the same time, residents are counting on us to maintain public health and safety,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. “We are doing better than other counties in balancing those competing objectives and I applaud County Executive Pittman for his approach.”