Yesterday, Hank Dietle’s announced that it would require proof of vaccination or a negative covid test 48 hours prior to any event.
Soon after, popular DC Area live music venues, The Anthem, 9:30 Club, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and a Lincoln Theatre, released a joint message that they would also be requiring any patrons who attend live events to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative covid test within 72 hours of a live event.
The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive as these live music venues take steps to ensure they can remain operating as restrictions tighten due to a rise in cases of the Covid delta variant.
The full message can be seen below:
Yesterday we let you know of the City of Gaithersburg reinstating the indoor mask requirement at all times in all city facilities. Today, the City of Rockville followed suit– making face coverings mandatory for all visitors, effective immediately.
Per City of Rockville:
Face coverings will be mandatory for all visitors to Rockville facilities, starting immediately, as the city continues its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The requirement applies to all staff and visitors aged 2 and older, whatever their vaccination status.
Rockville City Manager Rob DiSpirito announced the policy “out of an abundance of caution for health, safety and better peace of mind for all.”
City staff and the Mayor and Council continue to review city protocols as health guidance and conditions evolve daily, and will adjust requirements for city facilities accordingly.
Rockville’s boards and commissions will continue to meet remotely, as will the Mayor and Council. No date has been set for the reopening of City Hall. Many city facilities, such as community centers, the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, the senior center and Civic Center Park, are open. Check the city’s website for hours and availability. Face-covering requirements will be in place at those facilities.
Concerns have been growing communitywide about the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19, a highly contagious form of the virus. At 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, the Montgomery County Council is scheduled to introduce, hold a virtual public hearing and vote on regulations that would be consistent with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and would require face coverings in public indoor areas if and when the county reaches “substantial” COVID-19 transmission.
Delta cases have begun appearing in Montgomery County, slightly increasing the infection rate, according to the county’s latest information on COVID-19.
“Despite the high rate of vaccination in Montgomery County, there are still many adults and adolescents who have not been vaccinated,” the county states. “In addition, children under the age of 12 are too young to be vaccinated. This can create a risk for a new rise in infections, particularly with the new variants, including the Delta variant.”
The variant currently accounts for more than one in every five COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the county states.
Vaccination is still the best protection against all forms of the COVID-19 virus. Information about testing and vaccinations can be found on Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Information portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19.
To learn more about how to get a vaccination, go to www.GoVaxMoco.com.
Vaccinated Visitors No Longer Required to Wear Masks When Visiting Most City Facilities (Change Follows Latest State and County Guidance)
Per the City of Rockville:
Following the latest federal, state and county guidance, employees of and visitors to most City of Rockville facilities who have received full COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be required to wear masks.
Unvaccinated individuals will still be encouraged to wear face coverings to protect themselves.
Face covering and mask requirements are still in place in health-care settings, for licensed camps programs and on public transportation. Regardless of vaccination status, city staff and students will still wear face coverings at the Montrose Discovery Preschool. Masks and face coverings will still need to be worn by staff and riders on Rockville Senior Center buses, or by staff and participants in summer camps and youth recreation programs.
The Mayor and Council adopted changes to the city’s COVID-19 policies regarding face coverings at their Tuesday, June 1 meeting, aligning city policies with the latest guidance issued by the CDC and Maryland Department of Health.
The City of Rockville will not ask visitors to share their vaccination status.
Signage will be posted at all city facilities that are open to the public advising that fully vaccinated visitors are no longer required to wear face coverings while visiting the facility and asking that unvaccinated visitors continue to wear face coverings to protect themselves.
Life Time Notifies Members that Masks Are No Longer Required
Earlier this evening, Life Time sent an email to members notifying them that masks are no longer required in the club.
Life Time sent an e-mail earlier in the day that stated mask use was still expected in its club, but sent a second email following Governor Larry Hogan’s lifting of the mask mandate statewide.
Earlier today, Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson announced that Montgomery County will enter the final phase of reopening in two weeks.
We called both MoCo Life Time locations to confirm (Gaithersburg and Rockville/Potomac) and were told that masks would no longer be required at the fitness club starting tomorrow (Saturday, May 15th).
Councilmember Andrew Friedson Announces that MoCo Will Enter Final Phase of Reopening in Two Weeks
Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson announced on social media today that more than 50% of Montgomery County residents have received both COVID vaccine doses or the 1-shot J&J.
That means two weeks from today, at 6am on May 28th, Montgomery County will enter the final phase of reopening and all County restrictions will be removed. State restrictions will remain in effect.
Clarifying mask guidance is expected to be announced shortly and prior to Tuesday’s county council meeting, which should lead to an amended health regulation coming from that meeting.
Governor Hogan Lifts Capacity Limits on Indoor and Outdoor Venues, All Remaining Restrictions on Indoor and Outdoor Dining As of May 15
Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate To Be Lifted After 70% of Adults Receive Vaccine
Following CDC Approval, Vaccinations for Adolescents to Begin Today
Maryland Department of Labor to Begin Process of Reinstating Work Search Requirements
Per the State of Maryland:
As a result of the state’s rapid pace of COVID-19 vaccinations and subsequent declines in key health metrics, Governor Larry Hogan today announced the lifting of all capacity restrictions on outdoor entertainment, art, and sports venues and indoor entertainment venues and conventions, and all remaining restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining, as of Saturday, May 15.
The governor also announced that the state’s indoor mask mandate will be lifted as soon as 70% of adults receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Here in Maryland, our plan is to get everything back to normal by Memorial Day,” said Governor Hogan. “We are making amazing progress toward that goal. But once again, the fastest way to get rid of our damn masks and to put this pandemic behind us once and for all is for every single eligible Marylander to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.”
EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MAY 15:
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENUES. Indoor and outdoor venues may resume normal operations. All remaining capacity restrictions will be lifted on all indoor entertainment venues and conventions, and all outdoor entertainment, art, and sports venues, including all ticketed events.
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING. Restaurants and bars may resume normal operations, as all remaining capacity and distancing restrictions and all other limits will be lifted on indoor and outdoor dining.
- CRUISE TERMINAL. The cruise terminal in Baltimore City will be reopening. The CDC is working directly with cruise ports and industry representatives to prepare for a safe return to business.
Read the updated executive order.
Read the updated Maryland Department of Health guidance for food establishments.
INDOOR MASK MANDATE TO EXPIRE AFTER THE STATE ACHIEVES 70% OF MARYLAND ADULTS VACCINATED. The governor announced that the state’s indoor mask mandate will be lifted as soon as 70% of Maryland adults receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine—the national goal set by President Biden. Yesterday, the state officially surpassed the milestone of vaccinating more than 65% of adults.
WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS TO BE REINSTATED NEXT MONTH. To further accelerate the state’s economic recovery and with every business in Maryland fully reopened, Governor Hogan has directed the Maryland Department of Labor to work in collaboration with the federal administration to begin the process of reinstating work search requirements to connect more job seekers with good opportunities. The requirements are scheduled to be reinstated by late June.
VACCINATIONS FOR ADOLESCENTS READY TO BEGIN TODAY. With approval from the FDA and CDC, COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for Marylanders age 12 to 15 is ready to open tomorrow. Eleven of the state’s mass vaccination sites and hundreds of pharmacy locations will be ready to administer the Pfizer vaccine—which was granted FDA approval earlier this week—to adolescents right away. Marylanders will be able to search for providers vaccinating adolescents at covidvax.maryland.gov.
Washington Football Team Announces Return To FedExField For Fans In 2021
Per The Washington Football Team:
With the NFL’s schedule release next week and the launch of single game ticket sales, the Washington Football Team today made official its intention to welcome back fans to FedExField for the 2021 season at full capacity. The Team will continue to deploy safety and public health measures at FedExField, building upon its successful approaches in 2020 and during recent events. Importantly, the Team recognizes the incredible work and coordination area residents, public health officials, and elected leaders put forth to enable this moment, more than a year removed from the enormous disruption and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.
“As we have always said, the safety of our fans, employees, coaching staff and players is our top priority. We take our responsibility to create a safe return for fans very seriously, and we do so with the confidence and collaboration of our state and local public health authorities with whom we stay in constant contact to assure proper protocols are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Washington Football Team President Jason Wright. “Following the 2020 season, our organization was praised for its infection control approaches, and we now endeavor to build on this track record by providing a safe and fun 2021 gameday experience for our fans, the best in all of football,” Wright continued.
Currently, the state of Maryland permits outdoor venues to operate at 50% capacity, and the Washington Football Team has recently held events at FedExField, including operating as a voting site for the Peruvian elections, the team’s 2021 NFL Draft Night party, and Catholic University’s graduation ceremony this upcoming weekend. These events, in coordination with Prince George’s County local authorities, have adhered to strict COVID-19 protocols, including requiring all attendees to wear masks and socially distance from others. With rising vaccination rates and a decrease in COVID-19 infections throughout the region, the Team will maintain protocols to ensure a safe environment for fans.
“I am hopeful that we can all come back to FedExField in the fall and watch our defending NFC East Champions make another playoff run. And just like the players on the field, we must all continue to work as a team off the field to make sure all of our neighbors and loved ones get vaccinated,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
“Maryland continues to make steady progress on our health and economic recovery and working with the Washington Football Team to get fans safely back to FedExField is an important part of that process,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. “To help make that possible, I continue to encourage all eligible Marylanders who have not yet been vaccinated to go out and get your shot at one of the more than 3,000 points of distribution across our state.
To celebrate fans returning to FedExField this season, the Washington Football Team is waiving all single-game ticket fees for the first 24 hours, beginning at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12 when the 2021 schedule is released. Fans can visit washingtonfootball.com/tickets for additional details and to purchase tickets.
Montgomery County Public Pools Update (5/3/21)
All spas / hot tubs, spray pools, lazy rivers, and wading pools may open May 29, 2021 at the designated occupancy level.
Per Montgomery County:
Prepare the Facility/Grounds
- Number of patrons will be determined according to user load as established under Code of Montgomery County Regulations 51.00.01.04 reduced by 50%. All licensed pools must post user load in a conspicuous area. Total occupancy under COVID-19 restrictions is calculated by reducing this number by 50%.
- The maximum occupancy of the enclosed pool area, including deck and surrounding areas is one individual for:
- Every 12 square feet of water surface in shallow areas,
- Every 20 square feet of water surface in areas exceeding 5 feet of water depth, excluding a diving area, and
- The 300 square-foot diving area required for each diving board or diving platform; and
- Every 9 square feet of water surface in spas/hot tubs.
- Then reduce the number by 50%.
Example:
If the water surface in the shallow area is 1000 sq ft, then divide by 12 to get 83, then reduce by 50%, to get an occupancy of 42 persons.
If the water surface area in the areas exceeding 5 feet of water depth is 1000 sq ft, then divide by 20 to get 50, then reduce by 50% to get 25 persons.
The combined total occupancy of the pool and enclosed area would then be 67 persons. This includes all persons present (patrons, guards, staff, coaches, parents). The number may be exceeded during certain events to allow one parent/guardian per minor child. For more information submit questions or requests for Letters of Approval to the Board of Health Regulation Portal
- Facility will track pool capacity using a sign in/out sheet or another appropriate method.
- Implement physical distancing requirements between patrons or household groups at the facility, change deck layout to ensure that in the standing or seating areas, individuals or household groups can remain at least 6 feet apart. No gatherings or events. Monitoring and controls must be in place to ensure applicable social distancing in spray pools, lazy rivers, dives, slides, falls and other water features.
- Implement physical distancing where patrons form a line waiting for the pool to open or for someone to leave so they can enter.
- For indoor pools, meet current standards for ventilation and dehumidification. Increase introduction and circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans or other methods. Do not open windows or doors if doing so poses a safety risk to staff or patrons.
- Maintain supply of hand sanitizer and also soap for hand washing and showers.
- Ensure that all water systems (e.g., decorative fountains, heated pools) are safe to use after prolonged facility shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.
- Ensure there is adequate equipment for patrons and swimmers (e.g., kickboards and pool noodles) to minimize sharing to the extent possible, or limiting the use of equipment by one group of users at a time and cleaning and disinfecting between use.
- More than one patron per lap lane is permissible with applicable social distancing.
Prepare the Employees
- Staff who interact with patrons or other staff must wear face coverings.
- Provide and use one-way valve masks for CPR.
- Monitor staff absenteeism. Require staff to stay home if sick. Have a plan to ensure required staffing. If possible, vulnerable staff should be allowed to telework.
Prepare your Patrons
- Patrons should be alone or with members of their household.
- Patrons should stay at least 6 feet apart (both in and out of the water) from other individuals not from their household.
- At indoor pools, patrons should wear face coverings per the Governor’s Executive Order, unless swimming or showering.
- At outdoor pools, patrons not using the pools or water features should wear face coverings per CDC guidance.
- Patrons should not wear face coverings in the water.
- Shared objects: patrons should be discouraged from sharing objects that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect or that are meant to come in contact with the face (for example, goggles, nose clips, and snorkels). Patrons should also be discouraged from sharing items such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies with those they don’t live with.
Signage/Communication
- Post signs telling patrons not to enter if sick.
- Post hand washing reminders and cover your cough reminders.
- Post reminders to shower before entering the pool.
- MDH-prepared signs are available here.
Cleaning and Disinfection
- Maintain daily cleaning of the facility (floors, toilets, etc.) with soap and water.
- Train staff on guidelines and product instructions for cleaning and disinfecting.
- Follow instructions for use and storage on the product label.
- Disinfection products must be appropriate for the intended use.
- The pool may need to temporarily close if the CPO on duty must clean and disinfect the pool area.
- Facility will clean/brush pool tile/wall at the water line to reduce slime and biofilm once a week or more if needed.
- Maintain daily cleaning log
Operation
- Maintain chlorine and pH levels per current regulation, including shock or super chlorination as needed.
- Notify the local health department that the pool will open. Annual operation license is required per current regulation.
Governor Hogan’s Updated Executive Order Lifts Capacity Limits on Indoor/Outdoor Dining Statewide, Local Jurisdictions Still Make Their Own Decisions
During today’s press conference, Governor Hogan lifted the dining capacity restrictions on restaurants statewide, but noted that restaurants and bars will still be limited to seated and distanced service only.
This does not mean Montgomery County restaurants will be able to open without capacity restrictions, since local jurisdictions will continue to be able to make their own decisions.
Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place for all indoor and outdoor business and establishments.
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.
