This week, the governors of Maryland and Virginia lifted the stay-at-home orders for their respective states that were issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in contrast, extended her current stay-at-home order from May 15 to June 8. The details of each state's and the District's stay-at-home order are below.
Maryland
On May 13, Governor Larry Hogan issued Executive Order 20-05-13-01, authorizing the reopening of religious facilities, manufacturing operations, and certain retail establishments. Governor Hogan announced that this was the beginning of Stage One of the "Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery." The Executive Order also gives local municipalities and counties the authority to issue more restrictive orders if they determine that such orders are necessary and reasonable to save lives, and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Published reports indicate that Prince George's and Montgomery Counties will maintain the original stay-at-home order, but will allow the reopening of non-essential businesses.
Retail establishments and other operations open to the public will still be required to maintain the necessary social distancing, and may require employees and patrons to continue the use of face masks.
Restaurants and bars will remain closed, except for carryout operations. Gyms and theaters also will remain closed. Public gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited.
Virginia
On May 9, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 61, which eased certain restrictions that were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Northam characterized the restrictions as Phase One of the "Virginia Forward" blueprint. Executive Order 61 eases some restrictions on businesses, allowing certain types of businesses to reopen. Affected businesses include retail establishments, restaurants, farmers' markets, gyms and fitness centers (for outdoor activities only), campgrounds, and personal care and grooming services. Religious services may resume, with limitations. All of these activities are subject to face masking, occupancy, and social distancing requirements.
Theaters, performing arts centers, bowling alleys, pool halls, race tracks, and other places of indoor amusement will remain closed. Beaches will remain closed to all activities except exercising and fishing. Schools also will remain closed.
After consulting with Virginia county and city officials, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 62, effective on May 15, amending Executive Order 61. This new order exempts certain Northern Virginia jurisdictions from the reopening procedures of Executive Order 61. Through May 28, 2020, these jurisdictions will remain subject to the stay-at-home and other requirements imposed by Executive Order 51 (in effect since March 12, 2020).
The following jurisdictions are listed in Executive Order 62:
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District of Columbia
On May 13, 2020, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor's Order 2020-066, extending the previous stay-at-home order from May 15 to June 8. That Mayor's Order also imposed a requirement that essential businesses must require employees and contractors to wear masks. Essential businesses also must exclude customers and visitors who are not wearing a mask or other face covering. Social distancing must be maintained.
Individuals living, working, or visiting the District must continue to wear masks when engaging in essential and minimal basic activities. Masks are also required for essential travel, if social distancing cannot be maintained while traveling, including for individuals using all forms of local public transportation. Masks will not be required while engaging in outdoor recreational activities. However, social distancing must be maintained when in the presence of other persons, unless this condition cannot be met while engaging in essential travel.
The prohibition against large gatherings remains in effect.
The ReOpen DC advisory group continues to measure the District's progress against established gating factors.
For questions or comments, contact:
Claude E. Bailey
Partner
Tel: 202.344.8057
cebailey@Venable.com