BALTIMORE, MD—Just one day into his term as Mayor of Baltimore City, Brandon Scott shut down indoor and outdoor dining at city restaurants at a Wednesday morning press conference as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state continued to soar.

The Maryland Department of Health reported 1,715 coronavirus-related hospitalizations on Wednesday morning, an all-time high since the pandemic began.

“This is about saving lives, nothing more and nothing less,” said Scott. “COVID doesn’t get tired, COVID doesn’t take days off and COVID doesn’t care how you want to go back to normal. It is actively looking to infect us all. We need all residents and businesses to act accordingly.”

Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday morning urged Marylanders to continue to take the virus seriously.

“Sadly, as we anticipated, COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maryland are now at an all-time high,” said Governor Hogan. “1,715 Marylanders are hospitalized with COVID-19 and 416 ICU beds are in use.”

“We have taken aggressive action to mobilize a statewide medical staffing surge and enable hospitals to transfer patients as needed,” Governor Hogan added. “Just as importantly, we need Marylanders to take this virus as seriously as we did back in the spring.”

“As we await the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, we need to continue washing our hands, wearing our masks, keeping our distance, and avoiding large gatherings. We’ve crushed the curve once, and we will do it again,” concluded Hogan.

The following restrictions will go into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, according to WBAL:

Gatherings

• Indoor gatherings at public and private facilities will be limited to no more than 10 persons.
• Outdoor gatherings at public and private facilities will be limited to no more than 25 persons.
• Sports gatherings at facilities controlled by Rec & Parks are prohibited.

Religious facilities: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

Retail Establishments and Malls: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

• Businesses with a BD7 or D tavern license and with a separate packaged goods section can keep that section open at 25% of maximum capacity

Indoor Recreational Establishments: Closed.

• Includes Cigar & Hookah establishments, adult entertainment venues and clubs

Outdoor Recreational Establishments: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

Foodservice Establishments (including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, breweries, tour boat dining): Closed to indoor & outdoor dining.

• Carry-out, delivery, and drive-through service may continue.

Fitness Centers: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy, limited to individual fitness only. Group-fitness activities prohibited

Casinos: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

• Open for gaming only, food and beverage services prohibited.

Personal Services: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

• Staff must wear face coverings at all times while indoors.
• Services must be provided on an appointment-only basis, and a log must be kept of names of customers, staff providing services, and other residents who enter the shop.

Libraries: May continue to operate with curbside pickup service.

Museums, Zoos, Aquariums: Limited to 25% of maximum occupancy.

Theaters and Outdoor Entertainment Venues: Closed.

Live Performances: Prohibited