ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — Joining several other Maryland jurisdictions, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball on Monday announced new COVID-19 restrictions, amid a drastic increase in cases nationwide.
Last Tuesday at 5 pm, indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 25 were imposed in Howard County.
This includes family outings, parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers.
On Friday November 27, the orders will extend to wedding receptions, recreational sports and all social clubs.
Sports tournaments have been completely canceled.
All indoor basketball and wrestling leagues have also been halted.
For those sports still able to go on under the new restrictions, only one parent or guardian can watch in-person.
County parks are still renting out pavilions, as long as the gathering adheres to the specific limitations.
Retail stores, offices, restaurants, religious institutions, indoor theaters and outdoor entertainment venues, are for now still exempt from the orders.
Howard County is sitting at an average rate of 26.7 cases per 100,000 residents, equaling a 5.12 percent overall positivity rate.
