ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced his plan for a phased reopening the state this afternoon in a press conference.
The state could see the reopening of certain types of businesses and low-risk communities as early as next week, provided the number of cases continues to plateau, and citizens continue to practice social distancing.
Starting at 7:00 AM tomorrow, golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and camping will be open. State beaches will be opened for walking and exercise.
Schools statewide will remained closed through the remainder of academic year.
Hogan set forth key benchmarks that needed to be met before he would consider moving into the first reopening phase. Those benchmarks included expanded testing to healthcare providers, poultry plant employees, and testing sites, increased hospital surge capacity, ramped up supplies of personal protective equipment, and an expanded contact tracing program. While those benchmarks have been met, he will make a decision about easing restrictions on certain businesses start early as next week.