TOWSON, Md. — Baltimore County is the latest to reimpose stricter COVID-19 restrictions.
Effective 5:00 pm Sunday, all social gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
Businesses will be able to continue operating under existing state guidelines, which is 75 percent capacity.
Bars and restaurants in Baltimore County will be required to close at midnight, but can remain at 50 percent capacity.
Also, beginning Tuesday, all recreational sports, both public and private, in the county will be prohibited.
The new restrictions apply to social gatherings like parties, concerts, weddings and fundraisers, while they do not include restaurants, private schools and childcare.
While he’s trying to eliminate all, but dining in bars and restaurants with the midnight cutoff, Olszewski held off on cutting into their capacity to stay afloat.
The executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Hafford, says she appreciates the county executive’s decision.
“I’m not just the director of the Towson Chamber. I work with all of the chambers and business groups throughout Baltimore County,” said Hafford, “and it would have crippled them if we went to 25 percent so we’re very, very grateful for that.”
The positivity rate in the county has increased 129 percent since October 23, and now sits at 6.4 percent.
The case rate per 100,000 residents is at 27.6 per capita.
Below are financial resources for county residents and businesses.
- Support small business payroll, operating, and rent expenses
- Reimburse improvements to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Assist chambers of commerce and business associations to support businesses
- Provide direct funding to assist professional artists, musicians and performers
- Financial support to help residents avoid eviction
- Subsidies to help families access child care for school-aged children participating in remote learning
