Baltimore County To Allow Retail Businesses To Open At 50 Percent Capacity, Allow For Outdoor Dining
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced Thursday that the County is aligning its reopening process with the state's current guidelines.
Effective at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29, Baltimore County is allowing retail shops, barbershops, hair salons and houses of worship to operate at 50 percent capacity.
Olszewski also said that outdoor dining services will be permitted, and the county's beloved drive-in movie theater, Bengie's, can reopen.
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The county executive said he will conditionally approve all permit applications for restaurants to expand outdoor table service on their premises, but asks that people continue to social distance and wear masks in public places.
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"We should all continue to stay vigilant by maintaining six feet distance from others and wearing masks in public spaces," Olszewski said. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming days and weeks."
Steve Dellis, the owner of Michael's Café, said his restaurant is going to add additional seating.
"This puts us on life support going forward," he said.
For you movie lovers, Maryland's oldest drive-in movie theater will also resume its feature films.
The owner of Bengie's said he's hoping to launch its summer season sometime next week with fewer patrons, masks and social distancing.
Olszewski said if these new measures have a negative impact on public health, the county will not hesitate to reconsider the order.
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.
