May 13th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Gov. Larry Hogan will lift Maryland’s stay at home order on Friday at 5 p.m., more than 45 days after he initially announced the order.

Hogan said Maryland has achieved the 14-day plateauing and decline of hospitalizations. The rate of new deaths, hospitalizations and ICU patients have steadily declined, he said during a press conference Wednesday.

Although the stay at home order is lifted, the state will be moving instead to a Safer-at-Home public health advisory. Hogan encouraged residents to practice social distancing and to continuing to wear masks when inside stores and or on public transportation.

Along the with order being lifted, Hogan announced he would move most of the state into stage one of the recovery plan. Here’s what will reopen at 5 p.m. Friday:

• Retail stores in Maryland will reopen with 50% capacity; manufacturing may resume operations, personal services like barbershops and hair salons may reopen at up to 50% capacity and by appointment only.
• Pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, car washes, and art galleries can also reopen.
• Churches and houses of worship may begin to safely hold religious services. Outside services are strongly encouraged, but inside services may be permitted at 50% capacity or less with appropriate safety protocols.

Bars and restaurants remain closed other than to delivery and carryout services.