Mayor Craig A. Moe signed Executive Order No. 2020-25 that took effect at 5:00pm on September 23, 2020.

In accordance with the Prince George’s County Orders issued September 16, 2020, Mayor Moe signed the following Executive Order to amend and allow additional Phase 2 openings to continue to fight the economic hardships of businesses during 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, the City of Laurel located within Prince George's County, Maryland has been and continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak; and

WHEREAS, Prince George’s County, Maryland, has begun to see a decrease in the number of new cases of COVID-19 and;

WHEREAS, the City of Laurel located within Prince George's County, Maryland has also seen a recent decline in the number of positive cases of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland Number 20-07-29-01, issued July 29, 2020, and reaffirmed through the Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland Number 20-09-18-01, issued September 18, 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, 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 September 23, 2020, beginning at 5:00 PM:

1. Stay-at-Home Order remains rescinded, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Order.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 residence 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 residence.

II.         Face Covering.

                  “Face Covering” means a covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth and is secured to the person’s head but is not a Medical-Grade Mask. The term “Face Covering” includes, without limitation, scarves, bandanas and full-face shields.

                   “Medical-Grade Mask” means an N95, KN95, surgical, or other mask that would be appropriate for a health care setting.

            Requirement to Wear Face Coverings. Except as provided in Paragraph III., all persons in the City of Laurel over the age of five (5) years old are required to wear a Face Covering when they are:

1. In or on any Public Transportation, including but not limited to: all riders and operators on “The Bus”, Prince George’s County’s bus transit system City of Laurel Van Service;
2. Indoors at any location where members of the public are generally permitted, including without limitation, Religious Facilities, Retail Establishments, Foodservice Establishments, Fitness Centers, Gaming Facilities, Indoor Recreation Establishments, and Personal Services Establishments.
3. Outdoors and unable to consistently maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household; and
4. Obtaining healthcare services, including without limitation, in offices of physicians and dentists, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories; and
5. Engaged in work in any area where:

1.  interaction with others is likely, including without limitation, in shared areas of commercial offices; or

2. food is prepared or packaged.

F.   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

G. 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

H.  Face Coverings are required by persons while inside City owned and operated buildings.

I.    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).

J.   Wearing a Medical-Grade Mask satisfies any requirement above to wear a Face Covering, but all citizens are urged to reserve Medical-Grade Masks for use by health care workers and first responders.

K.   Additional specific rules may apply as further set forth in this Executive Order.

III.   Exceptions. Paragraph II does not require persons to wear Face Coverings:

1. If, due to a bona fide disability or medical condition, it would be unsafe for the person to do so;
2. To the extent wearing a Face Covering would impede communication by or with persons who have a hearing impairment or other disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
3. If wearing a Face Covering would subject the person to an unsafe working condition, as determined by federal, state, or local occupational safety regulators or workplace safety guidelines;
4. To the extent wearing a Face Covering would make it impossible to receive services requiring access to the face, mouth, or head, including without limitation, dental care, shaving, and facial treatments;
5. While consuming food or beverages;
6. While swimming or engaging in other physical activities where the use of a Face Covering is likely to pose a bona fide safety risk; or
7. While operating any Public Transportation conveyance, provided that the person is (1) the sole operator of the conveyance, and (2) located in a separate compartment that is off-limits to riders.

IV.        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-infrastructure-during-covid-19).

V.         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. Theaters. Theaters in the City of Laurel, Maryland at which live performances occur or motion pictures are shown, shall remain closed to the general public.
3. Concert Venues. Remain closed to the general public.

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

A.  Retail Establishments (including shopping malls) may open with the following safeguards and capacity limits: maximum of 1 person per 100 square feet of sales space, not to exceed 50% maximum capacity as defined by the State of Maryland.

1. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible, between employees and customers at curbside and in-store operations
2. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment by all employees
3. Adherence to Face Covering provision in Section II of this Order for employees and customers
4. Physical distancing markers for staff and customers required
5. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“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
8. Provide staff and customers with clean restrooms stocked with soap or sanitizer, and allow staff to wash their hands at least once every 30 minutes; and
9. Post signage at each entrance advising customers about the requirement to wear Face Coverings.

B. Cigar, hookah and vape establishments may open for retail sales only (no smoking on premises) with a maximum of 1 person per 100 square feet of sales space, not to exceed 50% maximum capacity. Physical distancing must be maintained and employees must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

C. Restaurants. Restaurants and other similar establishments that sell food or beverages for consumption in the City of Laurel, Maryland ("Restaurants") may open to the general public, in accordance with all social-distancing recommendations of the 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 carry­out 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 to the following rules:
   
   1.  Establishment has current approval for outdoor dining or receives a Restaurant Temporary Outdoor Seating Area permit from the City of Laurel;
   2.  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;
   3.  Ensure tables are seated at least six feet away from each other, except for households seated together;
   4.  Not allow groups larger than six persons to be seated together, except members of the same household; Maximum of 50 patrons will be allowed at any outdoor dining regardless of space;
   5. All employees must receive health screenings prior to their shifts;
   6. Customers, while eating or drinking at outdoor dining, may remove face covering;
   7. No food service in a buffet format;
   8. Clean and disinfect each tables and chairs between each seating in accordance with CDC and MDH guidelines, using cleaning products that meet the criteria of the EPA guidelines for use against COVID-19;
   9. Hand sanitizer and appropriate hand washing facilities must be available;
   10. Use of single-use disposable paper menus or sanitize reusable menus between each seating;
   11. Payment via digital platforms should be encouraged; and
   12. Any other applicable laws or regulations.

4.   Indoor dining 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 VI.C.3 and VI.C.4 of this Order.

D. 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
6. Guidance: CDC Guidance for Manufacturing Workers and Employers

E. Fitness Centers.

1. This Executive Order controls the occupancy and use of fitness centers, health clubs, gyms, outdoor aquatic centers, and self-defense schools in the City of Laurel, Maryland ("Fitness Centers")
2. Fitness Centers are limited to 1 patron per 200 square feet of fitness space, not to exceed 50% maximum capacity
3. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible
4. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (“PPE”), including face coverings, by all staff
5. Physical distancing markers for staff
6. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA- approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours
7. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working

 

F.   Farmers Markets will be able to open. 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.

G. Childcare Programs. All licensed and authorized childcare programs are allowed to open per the following rules:

1. Capacity limits will follow State regulations
2. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6'), wherever possible
3. Use of PPE, including face coverings and gloves, by all employees
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
6. Daily symptom screenings for employees and children
7. Staggered drop-offs and pick-ups of children
8. Parents are no longer allowed to enter the establishment for drop-off-or pick-up
9. Adults accompanying children ages two through four in these establishments should make reasonable efforts to encourage those children to wear face coverings
10. Temporary exclusion for employees and children, following CDC and MDH guidelines, in the event of positive cases
11. All other applicable State and local regulations for operation of a must be followed
12. Rules and other guidance can be found in following sources: MSDE COVID-19 FAQ for Child Care Settings; Maryland Family Network COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Providers; CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Childcare Providers

H. Fully Automatic Car Washes will remain allowed to open.

1. Customers must be able to remain in their cars while obtaining service, except when establishment employees are cleaning interior of the vehicle. Employees must wear face coverings and gloves. There should be no physical contact between employees and customer.
2. Customers must wear face coverings that cover mouth and nose.
3. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working.

I. Self-Service Car Washing will remain allowed to open.

1. High contact surfaces (those with hourly or greater contact frequency) will be cleaned with CDC and EPA- approved disinfectant at least every 2 hours.
2. All employees must receive training on CDC COVID-19 guidance appropriate to their workplace prior to working.
3. Employees and customers must wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth.

J.   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 two (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
10. Digital payment methods should be encouraged
11. Restroom sanitation on a frequent schedule

K. Other Personal Services.

1. Other personal services allowed including esthetic and nail services, tattoo services, massages, tanning salons, hot tub and sauna services.
2. The following rules apply:

a. Customers must be served via appointment only

b. Limited to 1 person per 200 square feet of service area, up to 50% of maximum capacity

c. Maintain physical distancing (greater than 6 feet) wherever possible

d. Physical distancing markers for staff and customers required

e. Customers must wear face coverings, unless face coverings make it impossible to provide service

f. 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

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

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

i. Digital payment methods should be encouraged

j. Restroom sanitation on a frequent schedule

k. Guidance: MD Best Practices for Reopening Personal Services

      3.    Bingo Halls

a. May open at 50% of maximum capacity

b. Must also follow rules set forth in Section VI.J.2 of this Order

(“Other Personal Services”)

4.  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 will remain closed to the general public (including members, in the case of private clubs).

L. Social and fraternal clubs, including without limitation, American Legion posts, VFW posts, and Elks Clubs may re-open for indoor recreation up to 50% of maximum capacity. Adherence to MDH and CDC guidelines is required unless further amended by County or City Health Officer.

M. Places of Worship: The following rules apply:

1. May open for gatherings that do not exceed 50% of maximum capacity

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

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. Face Coverings are required

e. No live vocals unless via remote or streaming service

f. Avoid physical contact

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

4. Guidance is also provided in the following sources: CDC Business and Workplace Toolkit; CDC COVID-19 FAQ for Businesses

N. Banquet Halls, Receptions, and Meeting Rooms in hotels, conference centers and similar establishments that offer dining or meeting facilities to the public may open at 50% capacity or a maximum of 150 persons, whichever is lower. No buffets will be allowed, there can be no more than 6 persons per table, and physical distancing must be enforced. 

 

O. Maximum Occupancy. For purposes of this Order, Maximum Occupancy means the maximum occupancy load under the applicable fire code, as set forth on the certificate issued for the establishment by a local fire code official. If no such certificate has been issued, the maximum occupancy is as determined by applicable laws, regulations and permits.

VI.        The following activities are specifically allowed when done in compliance with applicable CDC and MDH social distancing guidance and other applicable directives issued by the State Secretary of Health or County or City Health Officer:

A. Outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, or individual and small group sports such as golfing, tennis, and similar activities

B. Miniature golf establishments are allowed to open up to 50% of maximum capacity

C. Outdoor fitness instruction

D. 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.

E. Summer/day camps: Open for 10 or fewer participants (including leaders) with capacity constraints of 10 people per room for indoor activities; maximum of 50 persons indoors if maximum of 10 per group is maintained. Outdoor activities may have a maximum of 100 persons, if maximum of 10 per group is maintained.

F.  All City Outdoor Play Equipment can remain open.  All homeowner’s associations in the City of Laurel may keep  playground equipment open, in accordance with CDC guidelines:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/index.html

G.  Outdoor swimming pools, both public and private, up to a maximum capacity of 25% may remain open. Guidance is provided in MD Directive & Order for Swimming Pools and MD Guidance & Best Practices for Swimming Pools. Indoor pools (both public and private) may open up to 50% maximum capacity. Physical distancing must be maintained and individuals must war fac coverings when not in the pool.

H.  Recreational Facilities

      1. City of Laurel recreation facilities will be open on a limited basis for activities as outlined in the current executive orders and will adhere to Prince George’s County Health Department and CDC guidelines for capacity and social distancing requirements and other restrictions that may be required by other licensing agencies.

2. Recreation facilities will not be open for high risk activities as defined by the CDC, State, Prince George’s County or City of Laurel.

I. Youth Sports

1. Only medium-risk sports allowed at this time This includes sports such as soccer, baseball and lacrosse. A full list of medium risk sports as defined by Maryland’s Sports Commission Return to Play Committee can be found at: https://marylandsports.us/sites/default/files/Return2Play/MDSports_Retur...

2. May resume in small groups, no more than 9 children and 1 coach— maximum of 100 people in any area while maintaining small group size. Allowed if facility can accommodate group size and spacing requirements.

3. Limited, low-contact sports, indoor and outdoor practices, focused on individual skill building versus competition.

4. Limited touching of shared equipment and gear.

5. There must be physical distancing for players while not actively engaged in play.

6. There must also be physical distancing of spectators.

7. To the extent possible, individuals engaged in the sport and spectators at the venue shall wear a face covering, especially when social distancing is not feasible. Face coverings are not recommended when outside on very hot days due to the risk of heat injury.

J. Other Recreational Establishments: The following may open at 50% maximum capacity:

1. Recreational fishing
2. Recreational hunting
3. Shooting ranges
4. Outdoor archery
5. Recreational boating
6. Horse boarding and riding facilities
7. Marinas and watercraft rental businesses
8. Campgrounds

K. Visiting Cemeteries

 

VII.       Unless specifically otherwise stated in this Executive Order, social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events ("large gatherings and events") are limited to one person/family unit per 200 square feet, or a maximum of 100 persons—whichever is lower- at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned larger gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed. CDC and MDH social distancing protocols must be followed.

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
2. Newspaper, television, radio, or other media service; or
3. 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 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 basketball courts and areas are CLOSED.

All homeowner’s association’s 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. Face Coverings are required if unable to consistently maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household.

All City offices remain open; however, service delivery will be conducted online or by telephone when at all possible.

All City of Laurel picnic pavilions will remain CLOSED.

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 September 23, 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 and keep yourself and your community safe.

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.