What are the new Executive Orders for Baltimore City?

On December 9th, Mayor Brandon Scott signed an executive order affecting many different businesses in Baltimore City. This executive order will go into effect on December 11th at 5:00 pm.

On November 6th, Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa issued a new health order, now requiring face covering be worn in all public spaces. The Health order went into effect on November 6th at 5:00 pm.

12/9 Executive Order Guide

This executive order goes into effect Friday, December 11th at 5 pm. 

• Gatherings
  • Indoor gatherings at public and private facilities will be limited to no more than 10 persons.
  • Outdoor gatherings at public and private facilities will be limited to no more than 25 persons.
  • Sports gatherings at facilities controlled by Rec & Parks are prohibited.
• Religious facilities: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
• Retail Establishments and Malls: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
  • Businesses with a BD7 or D tavern license and with a separate packaged goods section can keep that section open at 25% of maximum capacity
• Indoor Recreational Establishments: Closed.
  • Includes adult entertainment venues and clubs and the non-retail activities at Hookah and Cigar establishments.
• Outdoor Recreational Establishments: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
• Foodservice Establishments Closed to indoor & outdoor dining.
  • This includes bars, restaurants, nightclubs, breweries, and tour boat dining
  • Carry-out, delivery and drive-through service may continue.
  • Businesses with a BD7 or D tavern license and with a separate packaged goods section can keep that section open at 25% of maximum capacity
• Fitness Centers: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
  • Limited to individual fitness only, group-fitness activities prohibited
• Casinos: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
  • Open for gaming only, food and beverage services prohibited.
• Personal Services: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
  • Staff must wear face coverings at all times while indoors.
  • Services must be provided on an appointment-only basis, and a log must be kept of names of customers, staff providing services, and other residents who enter the shop.
• Libraries: May continue to operate with curbside pickup service.
• Museums, Zoos, Aquariums: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
• Theaters and Outdoor Entertainment Venues: Closed.
• Live Performances: Prohibited.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a gathering?

A gathering includes assemblies or meetings – social or festive – for a specific purpose. Types of gatherings include any celebrations, parties, cookouts, barbeques, reunions, or other events likely to involve a large group of people. Gatherings are typically by invitation, such as a wedding or a party at someone’s home. Gatherings may be advertised to the general public, such as a fundraiser or festival and/or they may be ticketed events.

What’s the limit for the number of people who can attend?

Indoor gatherings at both public and private facilities are limited to 10 persons. Outdoor gatherings at both public and private facilities are limited to 25 persons.

What about indoor recreation venues? 

Indoor recreation venues are closed under this order.

Can bars and restaurants remain open?

Foodservice establishments can remain open for carryout, drive through, or delivery service only. No indoor or outdoor dining on-premises is allowed.

Can a restaurant or foodservice facility continue carry-out, drive through, or delivery service after 10:00 pm?

Yes.

Can indoor recreational establishments keep retail portions of their establishments open? I.e., can a cigar lounge/tobacconist allow carryout retail of products if on-site tastings are closed? Can breweries continue to sell beer/etc to go?

Yes, the retail activity at a licensed cigar/tobacconist establishment, or at a brewery or similar establishment with a BD7 or Class D tavern license, may continue to operate the retail section of the business at 25% capacity.

If I have a wedding scheduled for the next couple of weeks at an event venue/restaurant, does that establishment count as a “religious facility” for the purposes of 25% capacity?

A religious ceremony would be subject to the 25% capacity limitation for the venue; however, a celebration or reception is subject to the restriction on gatherings (10 persons indoors and 25 persons outdoors).

Are employees/staff to be counted toward an establishment’s maximum occupancy?

Yes, for all venues, facilities, establishments, or other spaces with a maximum occupancy requirement, employees, staff and any other person present must be included in the calculation.

Can a theater open to live-stream performances without an audience present?

No, under Section XIII of this order, theaters must remain closed for live and live-streamed performances at this time.