County Executive Marc Elrich has introduced a revised Executive Order 122-20, COVID-19 Local Order that would roll back recent loosening of restrictions designed to lessen the spread of COVID-19. The revisions come in response to a recent spike locally and elsewhere in the number of COVID-19 cases. One of the principal changes reduces the allowed indoor capacity at shops and restaurants from 50% to 25%.
With the increase in COVID-19 cases detected locally and around the country, county officials are evaluating whether there’s a need to roll back recent reopening provisions. Dr. Travis Gayles, the county’s health officer, has updated the indicators used to guide local decision-making regarding the restrictions intended to curb the spread of the virus.
Society Restaurant and Lounge at 8229 Georgia Ave. was declared an “unsafe facility” and a closure order issued on Sept. 29 by Dr. Travis Gayles, the county’s health officer. The restaurant will remain closed for 30 days “or until notified by the County Health Officer that the Unsafe Facility is allowed to continue operations under modified conditions.”
The County Council yesterday unanimously passed a special appropriation of $7,687,000 to assist both childcare providers and families who need full-day care for school-age children. The funding includes $1.8 million to help providers that have incurred increased COVID-19-related expenses and lost revenues from both lower classroom capacity and being unable to open in school spaces since March.
County venues including indoor and outdoor restaurants are now permitted to include live performances, with restrictions, County Executive Marc Elrich announced on Friday. Customers will still be required to wear masks at all times other than when seated and eating or drinking. They will not be allowed to gather in front of performers, whether dancing or just watching.
Despite schools operating on a virtual basis, students are still required to meet the state’s immunization requirements, according to the county’s Department of Health and Human Services. “If students are not in compliance with immunization requirements, they can be excluded from school beginning Sept. 20,” the department said.
The County Council yesterday approved a revised executive order from County Executive Marc Elrich that loosens some restrictions imposed on activities to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The council, sitting as the Board of Health, then adopted Executive Order No. 098-20, COVID-19 Local Order – Amending and Restating Order dated August 5, 2020, as a Board of Health regulation.
Urban Butcher has hit the “pause” button on operations at the restaurant at 8226 Georgia Ave. “due to the current situation,” according to an announcement on its website and Facebook page. The operators will concentrate their efforts at “Urban Butcher’s younger brother,” El Sapo Cuban Social Club.
The County Council yesterday unanimously passed additional targeted funding in response to COVID-19, as well as an amended executive order on county restrictions in response to the pandemic. The council approved a $3.3 million special appropriation to implement the African American Health Program Executive Committee program to provide a response to the impact of the pandemic on African American and Black residents. In addition, bars and restaurants will be barred from selling alcohol after 10 p.m.