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Montgomery County Provides Guidelines for Businesses to Prepare for Phase 1 Reopening

For Immediate Release: Sunday, May 31, 2020

Montgomery County will begin Phase 1 of its reopening at 6 a.m. Monday, June 1, as outlined in County Executive Marc Elrich’s Executive Order. To assist businesses to prepare for the transition, the County has developed reopening guidelines. These guidelines are designed to foster a safe environment for businesses and their employees and customers. 

Reopening Guidelines

  • County Executive Elrich’s Executive Order outlines the type of businesses and activities that may reopen in Phase 1.
  • Only businesses referenced in the Executive Order are permitted to reopen; all others must continue to follow the “Stay-at-Home” Order.
  • In order to safely reopen, all businesses must agree to abide by safety requirements to ensure the spread of the virus remains low for employees, patrons and the general public.
  • The County’s Reopening Requirements must be reviewed and posted in a clear and visible location at the business.
  • Any restaurant that plans to offer outdoor dining in accordance with the new safety guidelines must complete an easy registration form confirming their understanding of the new guidelines.
  • Bathrooms must be made available to patrons by restaurants offering outdoor dining.
  • If providing curbside retail pickup, businesses should instruct customers to call or order online first and wait in their vehicles for employees to bring out or deliver merchandise.
  • Employees and customers of hair salons and barbershops are required to use face coverings, gloves, and any other personal protective equipment appropriate to their workplace. In addition, these requirements must be met:
    • Limit of one customer for every 200 sq. ft. of service delivery space;
    • Use of physical distancing markers for staff and customers; and
    • High-contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) must be cleaned with CDC- and EPA-approved disinfectant at least every two hours.
  • The Reopening Montgomery web page features resources, best practices and answers to reopening questions.

As the County moves into Phase 1 of reopening, businesses and patrons are urged to continue practicing safety measures:

  • Wear face coverings always in public indoor spaces and when physical distancing cannot be maintained outdoors;
  • Continue physical distancing;
  • Limit indoor and outdoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer; and
  • Telework whenever possible.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCountyMD.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD 

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Release ID: 20-283
Media Contact: Barry Hudson 240-300-7348