ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Anne Arundel County on Wednesday will begin requiring all store workers and shoppers to wear face coverings inside the business.
The order was signed by county health officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, following Governor Larry Hogan’s April 5th executive order.
Children under 2-years-old or those can't wear a mask for health reasons are exempted from the order.
Face coverings can be made of cloth or other materials and don't have to be surgical grade masks such as N95 masks.
The sweeping order also requires all retail businesses to decrease normal customer capacity by 50% while also ensuring that workers and customers remain at least six-feet apart.
Stores are also being asked to make one-way aisles wherever possible, and to mark social distancing restrictions on the floor of the location.
Additionally, stores are being told to discontinue all self-service food counters, while also being encouraged to install physical barriers or shields between cashiers and customers.
Violations can be fined a maximum $500. Under Hogan's executive order, the department can close businesses in violation, but officials say warnings will first be given.
