BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, December 23, 2020) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement regarding the Baltimore Circuit Court's decision to deny a request for a temporary restraining order regarding restrictions to in-person dining due to a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations:

"I am pleased with the Circuit Court's decision to rule in favor of the health and safety of Baltimoreans. Thank you to Solicitor Moore and the Law Department for your work on this case.

My decision to temporarily restrict in-person dining was not an easy one, but was necessary given the science and critical role Baltimore’s hospitals play in the COVID-19 response and in providing critical care for Maryland residents statewide. We will continue to evaluate the COVID metrics on infections, hospitalizations and deaths and I will ease restrictions when it is justifiable by the data.

As your Mayor, my top responsibility is ensuring our residents are healthy and safe. I call on all of our residents to make a point of supporting your local restaurants this holiday season as we get through this difficult and unprecedented time together."