BALTIMORE, MD (December 9, 2020) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa announced new COVID-19 restrictions for Baltimore City that will go into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020. Mayor Scott issued the following statement:

“Baltimore, we face some difficult days ahead and we must all do more to reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19 in our city,” Mayor Brandon M. Scott said. “These restrictions today, while they may seem harsh, are being implemented to save lives and to reduce the stress on our medical system. I said yesterday that I am not afraid to make difficult or unpopular decisions for the betterment of Baltimore. We need everyone in our city to follow the public health guidance: wear a mask whenever in public, remember to socially distance, and wash your hands with soap and warm water often. The vaccine is on the way, but we must take action now to address the rise in cases and hospitalizations.”

The following changes go into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020:

• 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.
• Indoor Recreational Establishments: Must close on December 11, 2020 at 5PM.
  • Includes bingo halls, bowling alleys, roller and ice skating rinks, social and fraternal clubs, cigar & hookah establishments, and adult entertainment venues.
• Outdoor Recreational Establishments: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
  • Includes golf courses and driving ranges, outdoor archery and shooting ranges, marinas and watercraft rental businesses, campgrounds, horse boarding and riding facilities, outdoor day camps and tour boats.
• Foodservice Establishments: Closed to indoor & outdoor dining.
  • Carry-out, delivery and drive-through service may continue.
• Fitness Centers: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
• Casinos: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.
• 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:
  • All indoor and outdoor entertainment venues are prohibited.
  • Live performances and live streamed performances from any venue is prohibited.

“To slow the exponential spread of COVID-19, our interventions aim to decrease the number of contacts individuals have during their infectious period,” Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa said. “Targeting our interventions to the highest risk activities will provide the biggest reduction in high-risk contacts.”

To view the Executive Order click here.