Maria Leaf
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON– You can go ahead and plan that weekend in Ocean City.

A restriction on the rental of hotel rooms and other short term housing that went into effect in April will be lifted effective 5pm on Friday.

Rick Meehan, the Mayor of Ocean City tells WMAL for the last few weeks, those rooms were only allowed to be rented by first responders that were needed to help fight the Coronavirus.

However, Mayor Meehan says there still will be restrictions.  “Many small businesses can now re-open for the weekend.. but that does not include bars, restaurants or amusements.”

Restaurants are restricted to carry-out service only.

Social distancing guidelines will be in effect and Meehan says masks are “recommended, but not required”.

The change is due to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan lifting the stay-at-home order for the state.

You can read the full declaration here: May14Declaration

Copyright 2020 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. PHOTO: AP