The county executive announced Montgomery County will open Monday at 6 a.m. Protestors were unhappy during the Thursday press conference. News4 Chris Gordon reoports.
Montgomery County will begin to reopen Monday at 6 a.m. following phase one guidance for the state of Maryland. County Executive Mark Elrich announced Thursday which coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses and daily life would be lifted specifically for the county.
He was shouted down at the start of his news conference by members of the public who apparently objected to the county waiting so long to announce its plans.
Elrich said under phase one, nonessential retail stores are permitted to offer curbside pickup and delivery. Churches and houses of worship may start holding outdoor religious services.
Some personal services, including barbershops and hair salons, can operate by appointment only. Only select hair services can be offered, Elrich said no manicures or pedicures.
Child care centers can open for children of essential employees and business owners allowed to open in phase one.
Limited outdoor youth sports can resume for practice and outdoor day camps can operate with nine children or fewer and one counselor.
Additionally, car washes can provide exterior cleanings and manufacturing is allowed to open for operations.
County health officials have said they are looking for sustained trends in the virus data. On Wednesday, the county announced that the average number of daily cases had declined for the past two weeks. Still, Montgomery County, along with Prince George’s County, had more cases than anywhere else in the state.
When asked about Montgomery County during a news conference Wednesday, Gov. Larry Hogan said, "I think they ought to move forward."
Hogan announced Wednesday that the state was ready to complete stage one of reopening. Starting Friday at 5 p.m., restaurants and social organizations can begin to safely reopen for outdoor dining.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
