BALTIMORE — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa announced modifications to some of the city's COVID-19 restrictions, last Wednesday.
The new changes will take effect Monday at 6 am.
Most notably, the one hour limit on eating and drinking at bars and restaurants will be lifted.
Capacity restrictions however will remain at 25 percent inside and 50 outdoors.
Sign-in sheets still have to be maintained.
Fitness classes at gyms can go on with 10 people or at 25 percent max, whichever comes first.
Live performances, with exception to adult entertainment, are allowed as long as masks are worn and social distancing is in place.
Organized amateur sports, including high school, youth, and recreational can resume, with indoor events being limited to 25 percent or 50 people.
Tournaments and events involving teams outside of Maryland continue to be prohibited.
Scott said recent downward trends in the city's COVID-19 metrics, helped make the decision.
“More than halfway through February, our new cases are down approximately 48%, deaths are down 6%, and our positivity rate is down 50%," said Scott.
In addition, the city on Tuesday released $8 million in state grants to hotels impacted by the pandemic.
To qualify, hotels must have been open and operational prior to coronavirus and contributed sales tax revenue.
Those interested in applying should clickhere.
Funds will be distributed by March 31, recipients will have to reopen by May 1 to be eligible.
