As COVID-19 cases increase across the region, Montgomery County is imposing more restrictions on public gatherings and setting new mask requirements for residents and visitors.
Dr. Travis Gayles, the county’s health officer, announced that starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday indoor gatherings of more than 10 people will be prohibited. The limit had previously been 25 people. Face coverings will also be required at all times outdoors; they were already required indoors in public facilities.
The new restrictions on gatherings does not apply to businesses, establishments or facilities already permitted to operate at 25% occupancy or with 25 people, whichever is less. Outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people will continue to be prohibited.
“We are entering a phase of COVID-19 that is very worrisome, and we need every resident to understand what that means,” Gayles said in a press release. “It is critical that each one of us takes this directive seriously and does our part to slow the spread.”
Gayles noted in the release that contact tracing data indicates that a significant number of cases in Maryland are stemming from family and group gatherings, and county officials are urging residents to stay home and limit social gatherings ahead of the holiday.
Montgomery County saw 213 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, adding to the increase of more than 2,000 cases in the past week.
The announcement comes after the county tightened restrictions earlier this month, including reducing occupancy at fitness centers, restaurants and retail businesses from 50% to 25% of listed capacity. Prince George’s County made a similar move.
Montgomery and Prince George’s counties remained in Phase 2 of reopening even as Gov. Larry Hogan moved Maryland into Phase 3 in September. Hogan also set new rules for restaurants earlier this month, and urged counties across the state to enforce restrictions.
Last week, the state recorded a record high of new cases, at 2,910.
Jurisdictions across the region have taken similar steps to curb the spread of the virus. D.C. Mayor Muriel announced new restrictions for the city on Monday, including limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, restrictions on indoor group exercise classes, and a prohibition on restaurant alcohol sales after 10 p.m.
The city has reported more than 200 new coronavirus cases on three separate days since Nov. 10, bringing its seven-day average of daily new cases above 150 for the first time since May.
In Virginia, where cases have also been on the rise this month, Gov. Ralph Northam set new limits as well, restricting indoor and outdoor gatherings to 25 people and expanding mask rules.
