Stage Three of Reopening: Resources for Businesses
As part of the state’s initial entry into Stage Three, Governor Hogan announced the following additional safe and gradual reopenings that will take effect Friday, September 4 at 5 p.m.:
Read the Governor's lastest executure order here.
- INDOOR THEATERS. Indoor theaters where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 100 people per auditorium—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place. Read reopening guidance for theaters here.
- OUTDOOR VENUES. Outdoor venues where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown outdoors may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 250 people—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
- RETAIL AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES. Capacity for retail establishments and religious facilities may increase from 50 to 75 percent.
Under the latest executive order, effecting July 31 at 5 pm the use of face coverings are required for all people in Maryland over the age of five when on public transportation; indoors at any public location; outdoors when unable to maintain six feet apart; obtaining healthcare services; and engaged in any work area where human interaction is likely or food is prepared or packaged. The expanded order continues to provide certain exceptions, including for medical conditions. Read the FAQs regarding face coverings.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan passed a declaration requiring face coverings on the Boardwalk between the hours of 8 am to 2 am for anyone over the age of five. For more information, please visit Ocean City's COVID-19 FAQs page.
Indoor/Outdoor Dining: Restaurants as well as social organizations such as American Legions, VFWs, and Elks Clubs will be able to begin safely reopening for outdoor dining following strict public health requirements consistent with the CDC, FDA, and the National Restaurant Association.
Best Practices - Follow these best practices for general businesses and your specific industry.
Entertainment and Recreational Attractions
Gyms, Martial Arts, Dance Studios
Restaurants and Bars / Executive Order / Signage Template / Food Safety FAQs
Guidance for the Restaurant Industry – American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has developed guidelines for restaurants as they prepare to reopen. Get additional resources at AIHA’s Coronavirus Outbreak Resource CenterCoronavirus Outbreak Resource Center.
Recreation, Youth Programs, and Sporting Events Directives - For additional questions, please refer to this FAQ on outdoor youth camps, sports programs, and other youth programs
Latest Amended Directive and Order Regarding Youth Camp Programs from the Maryland Department of Health
Latest Amended Directive and Order Regarding Community, Recreational, Leisure, Cultural, and Sporting Gathering and Events from the Maryland Department of Health
Latest directive and order regarding swimming pools from the Maryland Department of Health
Guidance and best practices for Religious Services.
Resources from the Maryland Department of Health – Signage for Buildings
Workplace Poster! (OSHA3994 - 10 steps) Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus – Attached is a helpful poster from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
New Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Reopening guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also produced useful signs in multiple languages to help you establish and enforce standards for protection. All materials are free for download.
Financial Assistance for Businesses
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Paycheck Protection Program
SBA Economic Injury Loan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration released the Payroll Protection Program Loan forgiveness form and instructions.
- Updated information from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Treasury on the Payroll Protection Plan as of May 22, 2020:
Interim Final Rule on Loan Forgiveness
Interim Final Rule on Loan Review Procedures and Related Borrower Responsibilities - If you applied but haven’t received funding, you may find this chart helpful.
The U.S. Chamber
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Save the Business Grant Fund to provide supplemental grants to small employers.
Save Small Business Grant Fund
NOTE:On April 24, the fourth federal package was signed into law to provide relief to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. $310 billion is set to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as $50 billion for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and $10 billion for EIDL grants.
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund
Additional links for businesses
Maryland COVID Info for Business: https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business
Maryland Department of Commerce: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs
Maryland Workforce Exchange: https://mwejobs.maryland.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus
https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf
Maryland Department of Agriculture: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/category/covid-19/
MARBIDCO: http://marbidco.org/_pages/programs_loans/loan_programs_palpf_1.htm
American Farm Land Trust Farmer Relief Fund: https://farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund/
Maryland Department of Natural Resources: https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/COVID_Comm_Watermen.aspx
Existing Maryland Financing Programs: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund
Maryland Unemployment Office: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uibenefits.shtml
Federal Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce
Executive Orders and Interpretive Guidance from The Office of Governor Larry Hogan: https://governor.maryland.gov/covid-19-pandemic-orders-and-guidance/