Prince George’s County could enter a “modified phase two reopening” June 15. But that’s only if current, declining trends in county coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations hold steady, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Thursday evening.
“We are encouraged by the trends we are seeing in our data since announcing our modified phase one reopening, but we must remain vigilant,” said Alsobrooks.
According to Alsobrook’s announcement, a modified phase two reopening will allow for the partial re-opening of personal services, outdoor recreation, retail establishments, food establishments and houses of worship.
Prince George’s County Health Department will be tracking coronavirus test positivity rates, deaths, hospitalizations and hospital bed capacity as it prepares to make a final determination.
Prince George’s County entered a modified “phase one” re-opening June 1.
Phase one restrictions currently allow the following commercial activities, taken directly from Alsobrook’s announcement:
- Retail stores are open with curbside pickup only.
- Manufacturing is open with appropriate social distancing, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on cleaning high contact surfaces. All employees must be trained on CDC COVID-19 guidance before returning to work.
- Barbershops and hair salons are open for hair services only and by appointment only, with one customer per 200 square feet and use of PPE. This includes face masks and gloves for all employees. Customers must also wear masks, and shops must have appropriate floor markings to create adequate social distancing. Employees will not be permitted to have clients waiting in a sitting area. All CDC guidelines for cleaning high use surfaces must also be followed.
- Restaurants are open with outside seating only. There can be no more than 6 people seated at a table, tables must be at least six feet apart, and no more than 50 people will be allowed at any outdoor restaurant establishment regardless of space. Employees must receive health screenings prior to their shifts, and all CDC guidelines must be adhered to. Additionally, all employees must wear face coverings, and restaurants must have hand sanitizer and appropriate hand washing facilities available. There will soon be a concierge service portal available to restaurant owners that will allow for them to apply for the appropriate expedited licenses, so that they may conduct dining operation outside. Information on how to access that portal will be available soon.
- Houses of worship can open for gatherings of 10 people or less. Otherwise, they must maintain online services only.
- Farmer’s markets are open for carryout only, maintaining proper social distancing, mask wearing and following CDC guidelines for cleaning high use surfaces.
- Childcare facilities are to open for essential employees and for employees who are returning to work as part of the modified phase one. In addition to the use of masks and gloves for all employees and having appropriate social distancing and disinfecting in place, they must also have a schedule for staggered drop offs and pickups, conduct daily symptom checks and have a strict dismissal policy in the event of positive cases.
- Car washes are open with automated systems, but drivers and passengers must stay inside of the vehicles at all times. Interior car cleaning is not permitted, but employees may wipe down the outside of the car as long as they wear masks and gloves.