Harford, Cecil Counties To Reopen Along With State Friday
BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) - Harford and Cecil counties will also reopen at 5 p.m. Friday following Gov. Larry Hogan's announcement about lifting the state's stay at home order
"I am pleased to announce that in consultation with our health officer, Harford County will reopen on Friday at 5 p.m. as outlined in Gov. Hogan's Safer at Home advisory," Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement. "At the same time, all citizens should continue to follow required social distancing and safety precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We have sacrificed to get to this point and we must keep working together to maintain our progress. Be smart, stay safe and God bless."
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This means retail stores, manufacturers, personal services -- like salons and barbers -- and churches can reopen, but must only allow 50% of their capacity.
Glassman also signed an executive order temporarily waiving certain parking lot requirements to provide businesses with additional space in their lots for outdoor sales.
Hogan also said people should wear masks inside and practice social distance and avoid groups larger than 10.
Harford County Public Schools announced they would do individual in-person graduation ceremonies.
Just north in Cecil County, Executive Alan J. McCarthy said Friday they too will also reopen following the governor's guidelines.
"Today I'm very happy to report that I have absolutely no plans for Cecil County to be more restrictive in our plans for reopening, but I will be as accommodating as possible," said county executive Alan McCarthy.
McCarthy said he would have loved to see restaurants with outdoor dining capacity reopen, but that he is following the governor's phased reopening as the state has more data than Cecil County does.
"Provided the safety protocols are followed the entities previously closed now permitted to open our religious facilities, retail establishments, manufacturing, personal services, or by appointment only those were applied to hair salons barbershops employees and customers must practice social distancing to the highest degree possible and wear protective face masks approved recreational activities include golf courses marinas and watercraft rental businesses campgrounds, or sporting facilities," McCarthy said.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
