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Coronavirus Latest: Baltimore City To Move Fully In Phase 2 Reopening On Tuesday

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City will move fully into Phase 2 of its reopening plan on Tuesday, September 8, at 5 p.m.

Baltimore Mayor Jack Young made the announcement during a press conference Friday.

"I know that the government announced the state would be moving to Phase 3 at 5 p.m. today," Young said. "While some parts of the state may feel ready to move fully into Phase 3, that is not the case for the City of Baltimore. Right now, we want to focus on harm reduction and public health safety for the holiday weekend."

CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

Earlier this week, Young said Baltimore would not be moving into Phase 3 of the state's coronavirus recovery plan, after Gov. Larry Hogan said more restrictions would be lifted Friday at 5 p.m.

On Tuesday, indoor dining capacity will be increased to 50% in the city, while most of the state will be at 75% starting Friday.

The mayor said the capacity increase will also apply to retail stores, malls, indoor recreational establishments and the casino.

Posted by Charm TV Baltimore on Friday, September 4, 2020

In other parts of Maryland, moviegoers can now sign up online, grab some popcorn and enjoy the latest features to hit theaters.

The move to Phase 3 is happening in Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, with strict social distancing and mask wearing guidelines in place.

As part of the state's Phase 3 reopening, retail stores and houses of worship can increase capacity from 50 to 75 percent, and entertainment venues can open at 50 percent capacity, or host up to 100 people inside.

Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City are among other jurisdictions that will not transition into Phase 3 of the reopening process.

"This pandemic is not over, and we must all remain vigilant to ensure that our case numbers and deaths continue to decline," Jennifer Martin, Deputy Health Commissioner of Baltimore City, 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.

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