Stage 2 In Baltimore County: Olszewski Follows Governor's Lead

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County will align with the state as it moves into stage two of recovery amid the coronavirus pandemic. County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced Thursday that he will repeal local orders effective at 5 p.m. Friday, which will allow nonessential businesses to reopen.

Olszewski's decision comes the day after the governor declared the state ready for this step.

"By aligning with the state, Baltimore County is providing clarity for our residents – though we must be clear that these new steps do not mean we can return to life as we knew it before COVID-19," Olszewski said.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, Baltimore County will move into stage two of the state's recovery roadmap. That means churches and religious facilities may reopen at 50 percent capacity and businesses like nail salons and tattoo parlors may reopen at 50 percent capacity and by appointment only.

Churches may continue holding services outside, and outdoor activities such as outdoor swimming pools, outdoor day camps, drive-in movie theaters, horse riding facilities, marinas and golf courses may open, according to the governor's executive order.

If there are questions about regulation, Olszewski said he would be referring those to the state.

Child care availability and unemployment insurance were the two issues his administration was fielding the most questions about so far from Baltimore County residents, the county executive said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

"We've heard a lot of concerns from parents," Olszewski said, as they prepare to return to work. He said his administration has asked for guidance from the state regarding "what, when and how we'll see more child care in Baltimore County and the rest of the state."

Here's what can reopen on Friday, according to the governor's order:

• Advertising and architectural firms
• Auto dealer showrooms
• Bank branches
• Construction
• Design studios
• IT firms
• Insurance agencies
• Legal offices
• Manufacturing facilities (all)
• Media production companies
• Real estate offices
• Retail shops (large and small)
• Specialty vendors
• Warehouses
• Wholesalers
• Travel agencies

Nail salons, tattoo parlors, massage businesses, tanning salons and esthetic service providers may reopen at 50 percent capacity by appointment only, with strict safety protocols.

While more things open, Olszewski asked people to continue to be cautious.

"It’s important for our residents to understand that they continue to play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of others," Olszewski said. "We need to remember that we're in this together and can only get through this together."

Residents can protect themselves from exposure to the virus in these ways, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Keep 6 feet of space between people since the virus spreads through respiratory droplets.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after being in public.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

"Our older residents and those with chronic health conditions continue to be at the highest risk and should continue to take every precaution to protect their health and safety," Olszewski said. "We will continue to monitor this situation, and we will not hesitate to change course if necessary in order to protect the public’s health."

Facing a virus for which there is neither cure nor vaccine, Baltimore County has put in place protective measures.

"Baltimore County has taken significant steps to stand up the infrastructure necessary to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while gradually and safely reopening our economy," Olszewski said, citing increased access to personal protective equipment, coronavirus testing and contract tracing.

As more coronavirus testing is conducted, the state has experienced declining rates of hospitalization and positivity.

"Our testing positivity rate remains lower than the state average," Olszewski said.

Baltimore County's positivity rate is 7.94 percent, compared with Maryland's, which is 8.91 percent as of Thursday.

Health officials remind people the virus is contagious through person-to-person contact.

"This dangerous disease is still with us," Olszewski said. "More people will get sick, and more families will lose loved ones. In the absence of a cure or vaccine, we must remain vigilant against this vicious virus and prepare for the potential of a second spike."

See Also:

• MD Stage 2 Reopening: Massage Parlors, MVA To Reopen With Limits