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County Board of Health tightens
 COVID-19 regulations

(11/13) The Frederick County Board of Health set new health regulations requiring face coverings and limiting gathering sizes. The regulations were approved by the Board of Health 7 to 1 and go into effect in Frederick County at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 13.

The regulations include:

  • Requiring face coverings for all persons age 5 years and older in:
    • All indoor public spaces (This includes tobacconist shops, cigar bars, vapor lounges, and hookah lounges.)
    • All public outdoor spaces where the person is unable to consistently maintain at least six feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household
  • Limiting indoor AND outdoor venues to 25 people or 25% of venue capacity, whichever is less
    • This applies to bars, nightclubs, breweries, distilleries, wine tasting rooms, and event venues, including but not limited to, civic service clubs, private clubs, indoor agro-tourism enterprise activities, fairgrounds, farm alcoholic beverage tasting rooms, farm brewery tasting rooms, rodeos, auction houses, AND social and private gatherings.
    • This will apply to wedding venues on Nov. 30 at 9am.
  • Religious facilities are limited to 50% capacity
  • Fitness centers are limited to 25% capacity and shall require face coverings of all persons on the premises
  • Enforcement of this regulation will include increasing fines starting at $250

Indoor operations for restaurants and personal services remain at 50% capacity and retail establishments remain at 75% capacity as set by Governor Hogan’s Executive Order from Nov. 10.

"We need each person in Frederick County to take personal responsibility," said Dr. Barbara Brookmyer, the Health Officer of the Frederick County Health Department. "If we all wear our face coverings, stay physically distanced, and wash our hands frequently, we can help reduce the risk of our friends, family, and ourselves getting COVID-19 and ensure that our hospital has the capacity to help us all when we need it. We will continue monitoring our health metrics and are prepared to take additional actions if our local situation worsens."

These regulations were proposed because of the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that are occurring in record number in Frederick County. Cases for this week are expected to set an all-time high.

The Board of Health comprises the County Executive and the County Council. The County Health Officer serves as the Executive Officer and Secretary of the Board. The approved regulations and meeting minutes will be available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BoardofHealth.

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