FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced continued improvement in key health measures related to COVID-19. The rate of people testing positive for COVID-19 has dropped to 6.5%, below the statewide average. Hospital statistics have significantly improved, with continued declines in overall hospitalizations, intensive care unit beds, and acute care bed counts. Universal testing results from nursing home staff and residents show low rates of infection, with no positive cases detected among residents and only three staff members positive at the three most recent facilities reporting results. The number of EMS calls for COVID-positive patients is substantially lower than earlier this spring; two of the last seven days involved transporting zero COVID-patients.
As a result of these positive health metrics, Executive Gardner announced that Governor Hogan’s list of businesses and activities that can resume effective 5 p.m. on Friday, June 12, will go into effect in Frederick County. These include:
- Indoor Dining –Restaurants may open at 50% capacity, with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart. Face coverings must be worn by staff and by diners, except when they are eating or drinking. Groups may be no larger than six people. Strict health requirements must be met.
- Outdoor Activities – Amusement parks and rides may reopen, including go-karts and miniature golf facilities. High school sports teams may resume skills practices, following guidance by the State Department of Health. Youth sports may resume, although spectators should be limited.
- Outdoor Parades, Festivals and Fundraisers – These outdoor gatherings may resume with appropriate physical distancing.
- Child Care Providers – Rooms within any child care center are limited to 15 people, including staff.
“As people resume activities, taking personal responsibility is absolutely essential,” Executive Gardner said. “Each of us must be responsible to protect the vulnerable members of our family and our community. Wearing masks and physically distancing ourselves is how we protect each other. Public health remains our shared goal.”
An announcement will be made next week concerning whether Frederick County will fully advance the next phase of Governor Hogan’s plan for businesses and activities that could resume as of June 19.
Questions concerning Governor Hogan’s most recent Executive Order should be directed to the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at 410-974-3901 or online at http://governor.maryland.gov/contact-the-governor.
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