ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman on Thursday ordered residents to wear face coverings outdoors in areas where six-feet of social distancing can't be followed.
Pittman also announced a plan that aims to test two percent of the county's population each week, which equates to about 11,600 people.
The county says they will also increase enforcement of safety protocols in bars and restaurants, especially to those receiving complaints.
As of Thursday, the county’s 7-day rolling average for positive cases is at 3.47 percent, more than a point below the statewide average of 4.53 and the lowest of the six largest Maryland counties with a population over 300,000.
Another initiative the county plans to launch, is to help laid-off workers with job training and placement.
The county says approximately 70,000 of their residents have been granted unemployment, but thousands of others have been unable to for various reasons.
To assist, the county has put together the Excluded Worker Humanitarian Fund which they say will provide a $500 debit card to up to 4,000 laid off workers who aren't receiving unemployment benefits.
Then there is the Rapid Re-employment program which will provide and pay for job readiness and placement services.
A youth version will offer 100 people ages 16 to 24 pay of $11 per hour to participate in the program and assist county agencies in the community.
These programs will be managed by Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation. The application period opens at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13.
You can apply here.
