BALTIMORE — Baltimore’s mayor said Wednesday that the city won’t immediately follow most of the state into the third phase of its coronavirus recovery plan.
“We do not want to erase the gains we’ve made over the past month,” Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said at a news conference, local media outlets reported.
Young said he anticipates moving Baltimore into the second recovery phase next week, which would allow restaurants to expand their indoor dining capacity. He said additional details would be announced at a later time.
Young urged caution over the Labor Day weekend, saying it was not the time for large parties, cookouts, celebrations or religious events.
Young’s announcement came a day after Gov. Larry Hogan announced all businesses in Maryland would be able to open later this week under Phase Three.
Movie theaters and performing arts centers will be able to open at 50% capacity beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. Up to 100 people will be allowed at indoor venues, or 250 people at outdoor venues.
All retail stores as well as churches and houses of worship will be able to increase capacity from 50% to 75%.
Any local jurisdiction can decide not to open as much as the state plan allows.
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