By Caitlyn Freeman
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore City will maintain tight restrictions on restaurants, bars and other businesses despite Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement this week that he was lifting many of the COVID-19 rules that have been in place since the pandemic began last year.
Mayor Brandon Scott signed an executive order on Friday that will keep the health measures he imposed four weeks ago in place. The order went into effect at 6 a.m. today.
The mayor’s announcement came one day after Hogan signed an executive order lifting capacity limits on restaurants, bars, and retail locations starting at 5 p.m. today. The governor’s order also allows large venues to operate at 50% capacity.
Scott said the city has relied on the guidance of health care professionals when determining reopening measures. He also said that Monday will mark four weeks since the current restrictions were implemented, adding that he will reevaluate the reopening plans next week.
“Our approach will not change,” Scott said. “Baltimore will stay the course.”
The governor’s office declined to comment.
The current measures in the city include limits on gatherings and a 25% maximum occupancy for religious facilities, retail establishments, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and libraries. Restaurants can maintain a 50% capacity for outdoor seating and 25% indoors.
“On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m calling on residents to consider the safety of your neighbors and loved ones,” Scott said. “We have consistently seen spikes and COVID-19 cases, following holidays where people get together. I know the weather is nice and we are all anxious to be together and to be out, but the pandemic isn’t over.”
Scott said that since the beginning of the year, the city has reported 9,371 COVID-19 cases as well as 172 deaths among residents. He said he feels “(now) is not the time to let up.”
Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said the city has seen a slight uptick in its seven-day average for new cases from 92 cases per day last week to 93 cases per day this week. However, the city reported a 12% decrease from its average four weeks ago.
“Baltimore has weathered this pandemic and has remained relatively safe because our residents understand the nature of this disease,” Dzirasa said. “We wear masks, we keep our distance and we are getting vaccinated. Now is not the weekend to throw away a year’s worth of best practices.”
Dzirasa said that hospital utilization rates have also seen a slight increase, with intensive care units sitting at 84% and acute care units at 88%. The city is averaging one COVID-19-related death per day.
While the city isn’t making any changes, the surrounding counties are with Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford and Carroll counties all deciding to follow Hogan’s eased restrictions.