1) Governor Hogan is holding a press conference at the State House in Annapolis.

I will thread his announcements and new actions. https://twitter.com/GovLarryHogan/status/1260676717078818820

2) Governor Hogan: “The fight against this deadly disease if far from over. But because of the incredible courage you have shown and the extraordinary sacrifices you have made, Maryland and our nation can now at least begin to slowly recover.”

3) Three weeks ago, the governor introduced the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery’ – a safe, gradual, and effective recovery plan using input from leading scientists, public health, and business experts.

4) The governor said that if Marylanders continued staying home and continued practicing physical distancing, we were hopeful that key metrics (rate of hospitalizations/number of ICU patients) would begin to plateau or decline in early May.

5) Last week, with four building blocks for recovery in place and after a solid week of encouraging numbers, MD’s Coronavirus Recovery Team unanimously recommended revised guidelines to allow for elective medical procedures and increased number of outdoor activities.

6) Governor Hogan: “Today I am pleased to announce that Maryland has achieved the 14-day trend of plateauing and declining numbers...This allows us to cautiously and safely begin Stage One of the recovery plan.”

7) SAFER-AT-HOME ADVISORY. **Effective this Friday, May 15, at 5:00 PM: Maryland will be LIFTING the Stay-at-Home order and moving instead to a Safer-at-Home public health advisory.

8) RETAIL AND PERSONAL SERVICES. Beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 15: Retail stores in Maryland may reopen with up to 50% capacity; manufacturing may resume operations; personal services (barber shops and hair salons) may reopen at up to 50% capacity and by appointment only.

8a) Pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, car washes, and art galleries will also be able to begin reopening.

8b) RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 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.

9) READ THE GOVERNOR’S REVISED EXECUTIVE ORDER HERE: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gatherings-SIXTH-AMENDED-5.13.20.pdf

10) Businesses are encouraged to take the ‘Maryland Strong: Back to Business Pledge’ to assure customers that they are adhering to best practices and strict safety guidelines. Pledge can be printed/posted by visiting: http://open.maryland.gov/backtobusiness .

11) Yesterday, Governor Hogan held a call with county leaders. He assured them that as we slowly lift restrictions at state level, we are providing for a community-based approach that empowers counties to make their own decisions on timing of Stage One reopenings.

12) The governor says that as the state cautiously moves forward, we fully understand that not all counties are in the same situation. PG and Montgomery Counties have indicated they are not ready to move into Stage One – others feel strongly that they are able to do so safely.

13) Governor Hogan: “While lifting the Stay at Home order and gradually moving into Stage One of our recovery is a positive step forward, it does not mean that we are safe or that this crisis is over.”

14) All Marylanders, especially older and more vulnerable populations, are advised to continue staying home as much as possible. Employers should continue to encourage telework. Everyone should continue wearing masks in indoor public areas, retail stores, and on transit.

15) Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing and avoiding gatherings of over 10 people. Keep washing your hands often, and frequently sanitize high-touch areas.

16) If Stage One activities resume without a spike in hospitalizations, a sustained spike in ICU cases, or significant outbreaks of community transmission, then we will be in a position to move to Stage Two of Maryland’s recovery plan.

17) Gov Hogan: “Each and every one of us has an obligation to continue to exercise responsibility for ourselves, for our families, our co-workers, and for our fellow MDers so that as a community, together, we can begin to safely get back to work and get back to our daily lives.”