
Baltimore City Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young signed an Executive Order Wednesday suspending indoor dining at restaurants and bars effective Friday at 5 p.m ET.
“Under the Mayor's order, restaurants and bars are permitted to continue with outdoor dining that's socially distanced, along with offering carryout and delivery services,” Young’s office said in a press release.
Dr. Letitia Dzirasa, the city’s health commissioner, also issued a health order Wednesday, mandating the use of face coverings within the city for all individuals over the age of 2.
"These decisions were not easy, but are rooted in current data and trends we're seeing in COVID-19 cases in Baltimore City," Dr. Dzirasa said. "When considered together, this information warrants the implementation of restrictions to help halt the further spread of COVID-19," she said.
Residents will be required to wear face coverings when in public and and unable to socially distance at least six feet from others. They aren’t required to wear face coverings while seated at outdoor dining establishments.
The dining restriction and face covering mandate will be in place for two weeks and evaluated by city health officials daily, the city says.
Covid case counts, death rates, ICU and hospital bed utilization, case positivity rates and the number of coronavirus tests performs are the markers the Baltimore City Health Department will be monitoring.