Juan Herrera
WMAL NEWS
WASHINGTON – Bars and restaurants in Maryland will no longer be required to close at 10 p.m. starting on Monday.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan made the announcement on Thursday and attributed this change to improved COVID-19 metrics in the state.
Following several weeks of improving COVID-19 metrics, as of Monday, February 1, restaurants may resume service after 10 PM.
Details: https://t.co/kX5SLAR4D0
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) January 28, 2021
According to a press release from his office, the statewide positivity rate has dropped by 34.7 percent and is now the lowest reported rate since November 13.
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also dropped by 16 percent in recent weeks, including an 11 percent decrease in the last two weeks.
“With our data trends showing continued improvement, the holiday surges behind us, and the increasing speed of vaccinations, we are now able to take this step,” Hogan said in a statement. “Marylanders must continue to remain cautious and vigilant in order to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe and healthy.”
Hogan has also allocated an additional $30 million to the state’s relief program for bars and restaurants.
These businesses can use the funding to purchase equipment needed to expand outdoor dining including tents, heaters and carts. The funding can also be used to cover rent, payroll, job training and other expenses.
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