Limits Imposed On Gatherings In Howard County Effective Nov. 17

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced new coronavirus restrictions after Howard County exceeded a 5 percent positivity rate and a case rate of 19.1 per 100,000 residents.

A new executive order prohibits indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people effective Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks has canceled all tournaments that include out-of-state participants and redoubled its efforts on mask-wearing for all other programs, leagues and tournaments.

Ball also announced the launch of a “Stay COVID Safe” communications campaign for Howard County designed to inform and remind the public on simple steps everyone can take to stop the spread of the virus.

“We’ve been closely monitoring our data in Howard County, the nation-wide increases we’re seeing are also happening here in Howard County,” Ball said. “As we approach Thanksgiving and our winter holidays, it is vital that we act swiftly and thoughtfully to stop this spike in cases, keep our residents safe and well. Our decisions will continue to be data-informed and people-driven. Through our contact tracing efforts, we’ve identified transmission from family or close friends makes up much of our cases. If we all wear masks whenever around people outside our household, we will be able to crush this curve.”

Gathering Limits
Ball's executive order prohibiting indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor social gatherings of more than 25 people includes:
· Family gatherings
· Parties
· Cookouts
· Parades
· Festivals
· Conventions
· Fundraisers
· Other gatherings not associated with operating or patronizing a business that sells merchandise

The order excludes retail stores, offices, foodservice establishments, social and fraternal organizations and associations clubs, recreation sports and programs, religious gatherings, wedding receptions at a wedding venue, indoor theaters and outdoor entertainment venues.

“Given our data and current situation in Howard County it is imperative that we make a renewed and concerted effort to reduce transmission of this virus,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. “Wear a mask/face covering. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Wash your hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. And limit visits with those outside of our households.”

The Maryland Department of Health also has issued an expanded advisory regarding avoiding all out-of-state travel that is non-essential, especially to states with a positivity rate of more than 10 percent. The department of recreation and parks is canceling all tournaments with out of state participants to ensure the utmost safety of all athletes and residents. At this time, Howard County Recreation & Parks leagues, programs, and in-state tournaments will continue playing.

"With our parks and facilities being an outlet for people during this pandemic, I understand the mental and physical health benefits that exercise and being outside brings. Our department is doing everything we can to help keep this opportunity available for children and adults," said Director of Recreation and Parks Raul Delerme. "We are requiring face coverings when not exercising, conducting health checks, practicing rigorous cleaning practices and more."