(2/22) As a result of improved health metrics associated with Covid-19 in Frederick County, County Executive Jan Gardner today announced that Executive Order 02-2021, which temporarily limited hours of operation and the late night sale of alcohol at local food establishments, will be permitted to expire February 22.

All of the limitations and requirements put in place under Governor Larry Hogan’s Executive Order for food establishments, including limiting operations to 50% of capacity, the required separation of tables by six feet, and a maximum allowance of six seated individuals per table, will remain in full force and effect. All patrons are reminded that masks are required to be worn, except when eating or drinking and patrons are still not permitted to congregate at the bar.

“While Frederick County has made progress with vaccinations and seen improvement in the trend of new cases, positivity rates, and cases per 100,000 population, which provide a sense of optimism, the virus is still with us,” County Executive Gardner said. “Precautions and health directives need to continue to be followed.”

There have been 16,715 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Frederick County to date, and 258 deaths from the virus. Frederick County’s positivity rate currently at 4.6%, is down nearly two points since the Executive Order was last revised nearly three weeks ago, though Frederick County remains above the statewide average, which currently sits at 3.91%. The County’s case rate per 100,000 population peaked in mid-January, reaching 78, but has steadily declined. Today’s seven-day moving average case rate in Frederick County is 18.44. The statewide average is 14.17.

Executive Gardner urges everyone to continue to do their part to keep Frederick County moving in the right direction, by wearing masks, washing their hands, and watching their physical distance. Vaccination clinics continue to serve health care workers, first responders, people 75 years of age and older, and now members of age group 65-74 in group 1C. Anyone who is interested in receiving a vaccine should pre-register by completing a Vaccine Information Form found at https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/629/COVID-19-Vaccine.