Baltimore Mayor Responds To Statewide COVID-19 Restriction Shift

BALTIMORE, MD — After Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state would lift capacity restrictions on businesses across Maryland, the mayor of Baltimore said his administration was reviewing the city's health data before proceeding.

"Baltimore will continue to lean on the direction of health care professionals and local data on COVID-19 hospitalizations, deaths, and new cases to shape reopening efforts in Baltimore," Mayor Brandon M. Scott said in a statement Tuesday, March 9.

More than 41,000 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Baltimore, which has seen 879 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to Tuesday's data.

More than 14 percent of Baltimore residents have received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while over 8 percent have gotten the second dose, the Maryland Department of Health reported Tuesday, March 9.

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, the governor said he would be lifting capacity restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining, business retailers, fitness centers, casinos, religious facilities, personal services and indoor recreational establishments effective Friday, March 12.

Although capacity limits will be removed, patrons at bars and restaurants must be seated. Masking, physical distancing and other safety protocols will remain.

While jurisdictions have had authority to be more restrictive, Hogan said Tuesday: "My advice would be that they should follow the state guidance. It's been very confusing with a patchwork of different people changing the rules or not being in alignment with one another."

In his latest executive order, the governor stated: "All Local Orders ... shall become null and void" that are more restrictive than state orders, including orders that require businesses, organizations, establishments, or facilities (except schools) to close or modify their operations; and/or require individuals to remain indoors or to refrain from congregating.

In the past year, Baltimore has typically taken a more restrictive position than the state as a result of the coronavirus, keeping restaurants at a lower capacity and at one point around the winter holidays, closing bars and restaurants to in-person service.

In Baltimore, the current capacity is 25 percent for indoor dining, retailers, indoor religious facilities, indoor recreational facilities, while outdoor dining is at 50 percent.

"My office will work with the Baltimore City Health Department and the Law Department to review the Governor’s executive order and determine the best path forward," Scott said Tuesday.

"I am proud of the work of Commissioner Dzirasa and the Health Department," Scott said, "and remain committed to ensuring recovery efforts are administered through an equitable lens that prioritizes the people and places hardest hit by COVID-19."

For the latest on Charm City's response to the coronavirus, get Baltimore Patch news alerts.

See Also:

• Limits On MD Dining, Bars, Gyms End Soon; Camden Yards Can Open
• Adult Entertainment Resumes In Baltimore; COVID Restrictions Lift
• Baltimore To Reopen Restaurants, Gyms, Breweries