FREDERICK COUNTY — To slow the spread of COVID-19, Frederick County is limiting indoor gatherings of all kinds to no more than 15 people.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among county residents reached 8,226 on Thursday, with 152 new cases in the past 24 hours and hospitalizations for the virus are at record highs.
Large gatherings can become super-spreading events. The joint advisory follows a recommendation from Johns Hopkins University and other national public health experts.
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In addition to the 15-person limit on gatherings, large indoor recreation establishments will have their capacities reduced as of 5 p.m. Friday, December 11.
Indoor recreation establishments include bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, roller and ice skating rinks, and social and fraternal clubs.
The statewide restriction currently limits all indoor gatherings to 50% capacity. If that reduced capacity limit would allow more than 50 people, the County order would then lower that facility’s limit to 25% capacity.
The 25% cap also applies in areas where food and beverages are served within those recreation facilities.
