Council approves executive order to ease stay-at-home restrictions and begin phased reopening of Montgomery County on June 1

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 29, 2020

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 29, 2020—Today the Council met as the Board of Health and unanimously voted to approve to a resolution to adopt Executive Order 070-20 which eases some of the County's stay-at-home restrictions and begins a phased reopening of Montgomery County on June 1 at 6 a.m.

“Montgomery County has reached an essential and encouraging milestone in our battle against Covid-19, as we begin a phased approach to reopening our economy,” said Council President Sidney Katz. “Throughout this pandemic, County leaders have been committed first and foremost to the health, safety and welfare of our residents, and we have relied on science and data to make our decisions. Today is a hopeful one because many of the County's key health measures indicate that the time is right to begin moving ahead with the first phase of the County's recovery and reopening plan.” “On June 1, we will lay the cornerstone for this work to begin,” said Katz. “Easing restrictions on dining and retail establishments and some service industries will allow more people to return to work and meet consumer demand. Expanding select outdoor activities, youth programs and religious services will enable residents to regain some semblance of normalcy. The Council will continue to do all that we can to help our residents get through this challenging time, while laying the foundation for our collective economic recovery.” Phase one of the County’s Covid-19 reopening and recovery allows additional businesses and activities to start and/or increase modified operations with specified guidelines. These include:

• Curbside retail;
• Outdoor seating at restaurants (curbside pick-up continues);
• Childcare for state-approved emergency programs open for dependents of essential employees and phase one reopening employees;
• Hair salons and barber shops for hair appointments only;
• Car washes for exterior cleaning only;
• Manufacturing activities with precautions and guidance;
• Drive-in religious services;
• “Pick-your-own” produce at farms;
• Outdoor day camps following Md. Department of Health guidelines; and
• Outdoor youth sports following Md. Department of Health guidelines.

The following outdoor recreation facilities continue to remain open: golf courses, archery ranges, shooting ranges, marinas, campgrounds, horse boarding and riding centers and tennis courts.

Residents should always wear face coverings in public indoor spaces, practice physical distancing whenever possible and limit any gatherings to 10 people or fewer. Teleworking also continues to be encouraged. Residents can view the Council staff report and Executive Order 070-20 here. The Executive is expected to provide additional guidance to the public related to the implementation of this executive order. A graphic summarizing the reopening activities can be found here. Release ID: 20-237
Media Contact: Sonya Healy 240-777-7926, Juan Jovel 240-777-7931