County Council Approves Executive Order Imposing Capacity Restrictions

| at 7:00 am | Categories Montgomery County

The County Council yesterday approved Executive Order 122-20 from County Executive Marc Elrich that places restrictions on the number of people who can gather at various types of events, as well as be served indoors at restaurants and retailers. “We have been watching the daily number of new cases go up for more than two weeks and it’s unfortunately time to roll back some of our reopening steps in order to decrease the spike we are seeing,” said Elrich.

County Cancels Late-Night Alcohol Sales at Restaurants

| at 1:00 pm | Categories Montgomery County

The county cancelled its Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program as of yesterday at 5 p.m., officials announced. The program was launched in October and allowed restaurants to apply for a permit to sell and serve alcohol after 10 p.m. if they had not been cited or closed during the previous 60 days.

Elrich Proposes Tightening Some COVID-19 Restrictions

| at 1:00 pm | Categories Montgomery County

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%.

COVID Case Increases Lead County to Consider Roll Back of Reopening Provisions

| at 10:13 am | Categories Montgomery County

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 Declared “Unsafe Facility,” Receives 30-Day Closure Notice

| at 11:05 am | Categories Silver Spring
Society Restaurant Declared “Unsafe Facility,” Receives 30-Day Closure Notice

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.”

Council Passes Appropriation to Assist Childcare Providers, Families Needing Care

| at 10:27 am | Categories Montgomery County

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 Now Permitted to Offer Live Performances

| at 11:37 am | Categories Montgomery County

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.

Student Immunizations Still Required for Virtual Schooling

| at 11:34 am | Categories Silver Spring

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.

Council Approves Order Loosening Some COVID-19 Restrictions

| at 10:14 am | Categories Montgomery County

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.