BREAKING: Indoor dining capacity limits reduced in Md. beginning November 11th

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan has announced that beginning Wednesday at 5 p.m., all indoor bars and restaurants across the state must return to 50% capacity.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Hogan announced that Maryland has had seven straight days with more than 1,000. The 7-day positivity rate for the state has also crossed over 5% as of Monday. The statewide case rate has risen to 19.8 per 100,000, which is a 36% increase in the past week. Cases are above 10 per 100,000 in 18 jurisdictions, and above 20 per 100,000 in 7 jurisdictions.

In addition to the governor’s amended order regarding restaurants, the Maryland Department of Health has issued a new public health advisory strongly warning against any indoor gatherings of 25 people or more. An expanded advisory regarding out-of-state travel has also been issued, strongly advising Marylanders to avoid all nonessential travel to any state with a positivity rate above 10% or an average case rate of 20 cases per 100,000.

Effective immediately, all state employees who are approved to telework must once again begin a period of mandatory telework, except for essential, direct, public-facing services and essential personnel.

Hogan added that local leaders should implement more restrictive policies if deemed necessary based on conditions in their individual jurisdictions. He says the state make need to take additional actions in the weeks ahead if the situation continues to deteriorate.

“These actions are absolutely necessary to help us withstand this surge, to save lives, and to keep Maryland on the road to recovery and open for business,” said Hogan.

“This virus does not care if you are tired of it. It does not care if you have holiday plans. It does not care who you voted for, and it will not let us move on just because we all want to get back to our normal lives. Marylanders helped crush the curve once, and we can – and will – do it again with your help.”