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New COVID Restrictions Take Effect In Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- New coronavirus restrictions on a variety of businesses and institutions took effect in Maryland at 5 p.m. on Friday.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Larry Hogan announced new actions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In the past week, the state has reported new case totals of more than 2,000 on five separate days.

Bars, restaurants and other establishments in Maryland will have to close by 10 p.m. for in-person service under the revised restrictions.

"It just doesn't seem to end," James Hollands, General Manager of Abbey Burger in Fed Hill, said. "You think you're getting through it, and then this happens, and you're back to where you were."

"There's no point fighting it," Hollands added. "The best you can do is to go with it and try to ride it out."

Another change Gov. Hogan outlined: indoor capacity will decrease to 50% at retail businesses, organizations, religious institutions, personal services, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, skating rinks, fitness centers and social clubs.

"We usually have a line all the way back to the shop and now that's not going to be possible," Stephanie Fleishman, Owner of 2910 On The Square in Canton, said. "I'm hoping and praying and trying to stay positive."

COVID-19 In Maryland: State Sees Second-Highest Single-Day Case Increase, Fifth Day In Past Week With More Than 2K Cases

Also, a new order restricts visitation at hospitals and nursing homes and fans are not allowed at public stadiums.

Masks are still required in all public locations indoors and also required outdoors where social distancing isn't possible. In Baltimore, masks are required outdoors no matter what.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: 

The governor said Marylanders must take personal responsibility for their own actions to make the necessary sacrifices to limit our interactions. He said that might sometimes mean not seeing our own family members to protect them and ourselves.

"This is not the flu. It's not fake news. It's not going to magically disappear just because we're all tired of it and we want our normal lives back," Gov. Hogan said during a press conference Tuesday. "We are in a war right now and the virus is winning."

He stressed a similar message Friday, tweeting, "If we fail to act now, the virus will only strengthen its grip on our state and on our nation. Your friends, loved ones, and fellow Marylanders are counting on you to stay #MarylandStrong."

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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