UPDATE, 2/8:
We spoke with Councilmember Evan Glass who told us that the executive order will be introduced and voted on in tomorrow’s county council meeting (Tuesday, 2/9).
Some updates have been made, including the order going into effect on Sunday morning rather than Tuesday evening (if approved).
The previously mentioned 60 minute dining limit has also been extended to 90 minutes.
MoCo Executive Marc Elrich Sends Executive Order that Would Reopen Indoor Dining at 25% Capacity
In a tweet sent out this evening, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced that he sent an executive order to the Montgomery County Council that would reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity.
“With #COVID19 case numbers trending downward, I sent an Executive Order to the @MoCoCouncilMD that would reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity. However, we must continue to #MaskUpMoCo and maintain physical distance. Please stay vigilant!”
WTOP’s Kate Ryan tweeted the following in regards to indoor dining, from today’s Montgomery County Council meeting.
County Councilmember, Will Jawando:
“I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone here” says @willjawando who asks, “you’re talking about sending over an EO” to ease restrictions on indoor dining? “I’m not supporting it” he says of any ease on current restrictions.
Director of Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Dr. Earl Stoddard:
“From a public health perspective, it’s not a safe activity” re: indoor dining. But says there has to be a balance with economic pressures. But bottom line, he repeats, not safe.
The executive order would have to be approved by the county council before going into effect.
Marc Elrich, Dr. Travis Gayles, and Dr. Earl Stoddard will meet with reporters virtually tomorrow to provide Covid-19 updates.