Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
MARYLAND (WMAL) – There’s good news for Prince George’s County residents: the county will move into Phase II of reopening Monday, June 11.
Health Director Dr. Ernest Carter said the county has flattened the curve. New COVID-19 cases per week have gone down 27% from the week prior, which is about 1,400 cases according to Carter. In April, there were about 2,400 cases per week Carter said. Deaths have gone from a high of 74 in the third week of April to 50 in the last week of May. Hospitalizations are down to 128 county-wide, Carter said, compared to 181 two weeks ago.
“We’re winning this battle, but we have to stay disciplined to continue to get across the finish line,” Carter said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
He added that while people will be able to go out more next Monday, it’s still safer to remain at home, and masks are still required in stores, on public transit or when people come into contact with others who don’t live in their homes.
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks outlined what happens in Phase II:
-Retail stores will be able to allow 5 people inside/1,000 square feet but not to exceed 50% capacity.
-Barber shops and hair salons can open at 50% capacity with the use of PPE and by appointment only. All other personal services – nail salons, massage parlors and spas – can reopen with strong safeguards and social distancing. Only one customer per 200 squar feet. Everyone must wear PPEs.
-Restaurants can have indoor dining at 50% capacity. There can be no more than six people at a table, and tables must be at least 6 feet apart. Employees must get health screenings before shifts and wear face coverings. Restaurants must have hand sanitizer and places for people to wash their hands.
-Houses of worship can open for gatherings inside not to exceed 25% capacity. Outdoor services of 250 people or fewer are allowed as long as there is social distancing.
-Child care facilities can open for people returning to work in phase II.
-Youth sports can resume in small groups of no more than nine children and one coach.
-Outdoor pools, both public and private, can open at 25% capacity. Indoor pools will remain closed.
-Gyms and fitness centers will remain closed.
-Parks, tennis courts, fields, tracks and golf courses are open for personal fitness and fitness classes. Low contact sports will be allowed.
-Car washes may open with automated systems, but drivers and passengers must stay inside their vehicles.
-A limited number of county employees with return to work, while others will continue teleworking.
“Moving into Phase II, I have to tell you, is exciting. We must all do our part to continue to be safe” said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
She urged people to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distancing cautioning that the county is not out of the woods eve though metrics are improving.
Carter said anyone who attended protests following the killing of George Floyd while in police custody should get tested.
Copyright 2020 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. PHOTO: County Executive Angela Alsobrooks via Facebook
