Mayor Craig A. Moe signed Executive Order No. 2020-18 that took effect at 5:00pm on June 15, 2020.

In accordance with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ Executive Order 13-2020, a Continued Declaration of a Local State of Emergency for Prince George’s County, Maryland, Mayor Moe signed the following Executive Order to modify business and service operations as we enter Stage 2 in Prince George’s County and to continue to further fight the spread of COVID-19:

WHEREAS, Pursuant to the powers granted to me by Section 2-176 and Section 2-177 of the Laurel City Code, I, Craig A. Moe, Mayor of the City of Laurel have declared a State of Public Health Emergency in the City of Laurel due to an outbreak of disease (COVID-19) which does constitute an imminent threat to the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens;

WHEREAS, Prince George’s County, Maryland, with more than 17,305 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, has the highest number of confirmed cases in the State of Maryland; and,

WHEREAS, Prince George’s County, Maryland has more than 2,759 COVID-19 related hospitalizations and more than 586 deaths; and

WHEREAS, the City of Laurel located within Prince George's County, Maryland has been and continues to be severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak; and

WHEREAS, the Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland Number 20-06-10-01, issued June 10, 2020, specifically authorized political subdivisions to issue more restrictive orders than issued by the Governor including requiring any businesses, organizations, establishments, or facilities to close or modify their operations; and/or requiring individuals to remain indoors or to refrain from congregating; and

WHEREAS, Prince George’s County, Maryland’s has continued to show a downward trend in the number of new positive cases and thus decreasing the positivity rate, the number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths; and there continues to be an increase in Prince George’s County, Maryland’s testing capacity, contact tracing and supply of personal protective equipment to support moving towards Phase 2 of reopening; and  

 WHEREAS, consistent with Governor Larry Hogan’s Roadmap to Recovery plan, the following are essential pillars in assessing the efforts to combat COVID-19: expanded testing, improved contact tracing, increased hospital surge capacity, and increased supply of personal protective equipment; and 

WHEREAS, on June 12, 2020, Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks issued an amendment to the County’s emergency declaration proclaiming that a Local State of Emergency continues to exist in Prince George’s County, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, after consultation with the City of Laurel Health Officer  and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and help prevent the transmission of the COVID -19 virus, and control the spread of this deadly desease, the following actions will be taken in the City of Laurel  

 

Effective June 15, 2020, beginning at 5:00 PM:

I. Stay-at-Home Order remains rescinded, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Order.  However, all residents are still encouraged to stay in their homes or place of residences as much as possible, continue to practice appropriate personal hygiene like regular handwashing and exercising appropriate social distancing when coming into contact with persons outside their home or place or residence.

 

II. Face Covering.  “Face Covering” means a covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth. The term “Face Covering” includes, without limitation, scarves and bandanas. The following rules apply to Face Coverings:

 

A. All riders and operators on “The Bus”, Prince George’s County’s bus transit system, are required to wear;

B. All customers in the enclosed area of a retail or restaurant establishment over the age of nine are required to wear; however, adult customers accompanying children age two through nine shall use reasonable efforts to cause those children to wear Face Coverings while inside the enclosed area of any retail or restaurant;

C. All retail establishments shall require staff to wear, and those staff shall wear, Face Coverings while working in areas open to the general public and areas in which interactions with other staff are likely; and

D. All restaurants shall require staff who interact with customers (including, without limitation, delivery personnel) to wear, and those staff shall wear, Face Coverings while working.

E. Single-use Face Coverings shall be properly discarded in trash receptacles. It is recommended that all reusable Face Coverings be cleaned frequently (at least once per day).

 

III. Except as otherwise provided in this Order, non-essential businesses shall remain closed to the general public.  Non-essential businesses are defined as businesses, establishments, organizations and facilities that are not part of the critical infrastructure sectors identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (current described at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructureduring-covid-19).

 

IV. Closure of Certain Specific Businesses, Organizations and Facilities

 

1. Senior Centers All senior citizen activities centers (as defined in Section 10- 501 (i) of the Human Services Article of the Maryland Code) shall remain closed.

 

2. Fitness Centers

 

1. This Executive Order controls the occupancy and use of fitness centers, health clubs, gyms, aquatic centers, and self-defense schools in Prince George’s County, Maryland ("Fitness Centers").

2. All Fitness Centers shall remain closed to the general public, except that the portion of any Fitness Center that is licensed or otherwise permitted by applicable law, regulation, or order to provide child care services may remain open to the general public for the purpose of continuing to provide such child care services.

 

3. Theaters in Prince George’s County, Maryland at which live performances occur or motion pictures are shown shall remain closed to the general public, including drive-in theaters.

 

4. Other Recreational Establishments

 

1. "Recreational Establishments'' includes:

a. Bingo halls;

b. Bowling alleys;

c. Pool halls;

d. Amusement parks;

e. Roller- and ice-skating rinks;

f. Marinas and watercraft rental businesses;

g. Indoor swimming pools;

h. Tour boats;

i. Social and Fraternal clubs, including without limitation, American Legion posts, VFW posts, and Elks Clubs;

j. Campgrounds; and

k. Any other establishment not listed above that is subject to the admission and amusement tax under Title 4 of the Tax General Article of the Maryland Code.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this Order, all Recreational Establishments are hereby closed to the general public (including members, in the case of private clubs).

 

 V. Businesses, Organizations, Establishment and Facilities That May Open

 

1. Retail Establishments may open with the following safeguards and capacity limits:

1. Maximum of 5 persons per 1,000 square feet will be allowed in the establishment, not to exceed 50% maximum capacity as defined by the State of Maryland.  

2. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible, between employees and customers at curbside and in-store operations;  

3. Adherence to Face Covering provision in Section II of this Order;

4. Physical distancing markers for staff and customers required;  

5. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and Environment Protection Agency (“EPA”) approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours;   6. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working; 7. Online shopping and payment via digital platforms should be encouraged as much as possible.

         

B. Restaurants and Bars Restaurants, bars, and other similar establishments that sell food or beverages for consumption in Prince George’s County, Maryland (''Restaurants and Bars") may open to the general public, in accordance with any social-distancing recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Maryland Department of Health (“MDH”), and subject to the following conditions:

1. Food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises, i.e., on a carry-out or drive-through basis; or

           2. Delivered to customers off the premises; or

3. Outdoor dining at Restaurants and Bars will be permitted if there is adherence the following rules:

a. Establishment has current approval for outdoor dining or receives a Restaurant Temporary Outdoor Seating Area permit;

b. Adherence to Face Covering provision in Section II of this Order, except that customers, while eating or drinking during outdoor dining, may remove face covering;

c. Ensure tables are seated at least six feet away from each other, except for households seated together;

d. Not allow groups larger than six persons to be seated together, except members of the same household;

e. Maximum of 50 patrons will be allowed at any outdoor dining regardless of space;

f. All employees must receive health screenings prior to their shifts; 

g. Customers, while eating or drinking at outdoor dining, may remove face covering;

h. No food service in a buffet format; and

i. Clean and disinfect each table between each seating in accordance with CDC and MDH guidelines, using cleaning products that meet the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against COVID-19.

j. Hand sanitizer and appropriate hand washing facilities must be available;

k. Any other applicable laws or regulations.

4. Indoor dining is permissible at 50% maximum capacity (as allowed by the State of Maryland) and adherence to the regulations that apply to outdoor dining (with the exception of the maximum of 50 patrons).  Social and fraternal clubs, permissible via applicable laws or regulations, may offer indoor dining in accordance with Sections V.B.3 and V.B.4 of this Order. 

 

C. Manufacturing. The following rules must be adhered to:

 

                      1. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible;  

2. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (“PPE”), including face coverings, by all staff;  

3. Physical distancing markers for staff;  

4. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA- approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours;

5. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working.

 

 D. Farmers Markets will be able to open for carryout only. Maintaining proper social distancing (greater than 6’) is required, wherever possible. Face coverings are required for vendors and customers and CDC and EPA guidelines for cleaning high use surfaces must be followed.

         

E. Childcare Facilities can open for dependents of Essential persons (as defined below) and persons returning to during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Prince George’s County Reopening Plan. The following rules must be adhered to:

 

          1. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible;

2. Use of PPE, including face coverings and gloves, by all employees;  

3. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours;  

4. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working;

5. Daily symptom screenings for employees and children;

6. Staggered drop-offs and pick-ups; 

7. Temporary exclusion for employees and children, following CDC and MDH guidelines, in the event of positive cases;

8. All applicable State and local regulations for the operation of a childcare facility must be followed.

 9. “Essential persons” is defined as:

a. Providers of health, long-term, or acute inpatient care, emergency medical, or pharmacy services;

b. Public health employees;

c. Law enforcement personnel;

d. Correctional services employees;

e. Firefighters and other first responders;

f. Government employees required to work during the state of emergency or catastrophic health emergency;

g. Employees and representatives of insurance carriers, and those authorized by the Maryland Insurance Agency to engage in the business of insurance;

h. National Guard personnel called to active duty;

i. Staff and providers of childcare or education services, including custodial staff and food service providers;

j. Food distributors and suppliers, including food and supply services or distribution personnel;

k. Transportation and delivery services personnel;

l. Gasoline service station operators and automobile repair mechanics;

m. Critical infrastructure employees, including emergency support personnel for gas and electric utility operations, public works, water treatment, and waste management.

 

F. Fully Automatic Car Washes.  Customers must be able to remain in their cars while obtaining service.  There should be no physical contact between car wash employees and vehicle occupants. The interior of the vehicle may not be cleaned by car wash employees, but the outside of the vehicle may be wiped down by these employees so long as there is adherence to the no physical contact mandate and face coverings and gloves are worn. 

 

          G. Self-Service Car Washing establishments may open. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working. Adherence to Face Covering provision in Section II of this Order is required. 

 

 H. Barbershops and Beauty Salons. The following rules must also be adhered to:

                      1. Customers must be served via appointment only;

2. Customers are not allowed to congregate in common sitting area waiting to be served;

3. Adherence to Face Covering provision in Section II of this Order, except that all customers over the age of 2 must wear face coverings unless doing so makes it impossible to provide service;

4. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible;  

5. Use of PPE, including face coverings and gloves, by all employees;  

6. Physical distancing markers to create adequate social distancing;

7. Service is limited to 50% maximum capacity for the service delivery space;  

8. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours;

9. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working.

 

I. Other Personal Services: 

                      1. Massages, hot tub and sauna services are NOT allowed. 

2. Esthetic and nail services may be performed under the following rules:

a. Customers must be served via appointment only;

b. Only 1 customer per 200 square feet of service delivery space;

c. Customers must adhere to Face Covering provision in Section II of this Order;

d. Use of PPE, including face coverings and gloves, by all employees. Gloves must be changed between each customer and paper/plastic coverings over tables/service chairs must be changed between each customer.  

e. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours; f. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working;

g. Digital payment methods should be encouraged.

 

          J. Places of Worship: The following rules apply:

1. May open for gatherings that do not exceed 25% maximum capacity as defined by the State of Maryland:

                                  a. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6');

b. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours;

c. Hand sanitizers OR hand washing facilities must be available and frequent use should be encouraged. 

d. There must be adherence to Section II, Face Coverings, of this Order. 

                      2. May maintain online and drive-in services

3. May have outdoor services of 250 persons or less, if able to maintain appropriate social distancing and have access to hand washing/hand sanitizers.  Frequent use encouraged. 

         

K. Guidance is provided in the following sources: CDC Business and Workplace Toolkit; CDC COVID-19 FAQ for Businesses; CDC Guidance for Manufacturing Workers and Employers; CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Providers; MSDE COVID-19 FAQ for Childcare Settings

 

 VI. For avoidance of doubt, the following activities are specifically allowed when done in compliance with applicable CDC and MDH social distancing guidance:

 

A. Outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, or individual and small group sports such as golfing (except miniature golf), tennis, and similar activities;

B. Outdoor fitness instruction;

C. Parks are open for personal fitness and fitness classes.  This includes all parks, fields, tennis courts, tracks and golf courses. Low contact sports are also allowed; 

D. Summer/day camps: Open for 10 or fewer participants (including leaders) with capacity constraints of 10 people per room for indoor activities and up to 50 for outdoors activities;

E. Private outdoor community swimming pools, up to a maximum capacity of 25%;

F. Youth sports may resume in small groups, no more than 9 children and 1 coach- maximum of 50 people in any area. 

G. Recreational fishing, hunting, shooting, and archery;

H. Recreational boating;

I. Horseback riding; and

J. Visiting cemeteries.

 

VII. Unless specifically allowed pursuant to this Executive Order, social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events ("large gatherings and events") of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed. 

 

 VIII. All retail and restaurant establishments allowed to open are required to promote social distancing inside and outside of these establishments while customers wait to enter the premises.

 

IX. For avoidance of doubt, this Order does not require the closure of, or prohibit the movement of any staff or volunteer traveling to, from, or in connection with their duties at any:

 

1. Federal, State, or local government unit, building, or facility;

B.  Newspaper, television, radio, or other media service; or

C. Non-profit organization or facility providing essential services to low-income persons, including, without limitation, homeless shelters, food banks, and soup kitchens.

 

X. This Executive Order shall remain in effect through July 9, 2020, unless amended or terminated earlier.

 

XI. This Executive Order or its application to any person, entity, or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or applications of the Order shall remain in effect to the extent possible without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.

 

This public health emergency continues to rapidly change, and the City will continue its efforts to monitor, and work with other public safety and health officials. The City will continue to re-evaluate conditions on a daily basis. Other City Actions that will also be taken are listed below:

 

Since March 30, 2020 the following applied in the City of Laurel and those listed below shall remain in effect.:

All City play equipment and structures are CLOSED.

All City basketball courts and areas are CLOSED.

All homeowners’ associations in the City of Laurel are directed to continue to keep any and all play equipment and structures CLOSED.

All homeowner’s association in the City of Laurel are directed to continue to keep any and all basketball courts and areas CLOSED.

All City of Laurel parks will remain open but all applicable social distancing guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Maryland Department of Health (“MDH”), shall be followed at all times.

All City offices remain open; however, service delivery will be conducted online or by telephone only.

Laurel Police Officers or employees from the City’s Office of the Fire Marshal and Permit Services will enforce the above directives.

This Executive Order shall take effect at 5:00 p.m. on June 15, 2020 and shall remain in effect until further notice or this Executive Order has been amended or rescinded.

You are also asked to continue to follow CDC recommendations and guidelines of social distancing, wearing a face mask that covers the nose and mouth and continue to wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly. These are proven ways to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Mayor Moe, the Laurel City Council and the City’s EOC will continue to monitor and keep current with actions and information pertaining to the pandemic outbreak and will be sure the residents, businesses, employees and visitors are kept well informed through our Social Media platforms. You can also visit our COVID-19 webpage at coronavirus.cityoflaurel.org, along with the CDC at www.CDC.gov, the Maryland Department of Health at www.health.maryland.gov and the Prince George’s County Health Department at https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1588/Health-Services.