Coronavirus Latest: Some 'Low Risk' Outdoor Activities Restrictions Lifted In Maryland Starting Thursday
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Gov, Larry Hogan announced that some coronavirus-related restrictions will be lifted starting Thursday morning ahead of the initial steps to reopen the state.
"After much discussion, all of our doctors and scientists are now in agreement that we are able to move forward with resuming some additional lower risk outdoor activities," Hogan said.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, Marylanders will be able to golf, play tennis, go boating, fishing and camping and participate in other outdoor activities.
The state will also reopen Department of Natural Resources parks and beaches. State-owned playgrounds will also reopen. Local governments can have the flexibility to take similar actions at their discretion.
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The stay at home order, however, is still active. Hogan said people would continue to social distance and wear masks when it makes sense.
At beaches, chairs, blankets and picnics are still prohibited. No more than 10 people can be on a boat at one time, including the captain and the crews.
Boats must stay at least 10 feet away from each other and are prohibited from rafting up, beaching or having "rendevous events" and boat races are still prohibited.
Marinas can reopen to recreational boaters and pump-out stations and boats can resume operations, but must adhere to Maryland Department of Commerce and Health guidelines.
Campers must be with immediate family members or people they live with, and no parties or reservations will be allowed for more than 10 people for any one site.
Cabin rentals cannot be reserved at this time, but the Department of Natural Resources will begin to consider protocols for accepting reservations again in the near future.
Fishing is allowed including catch-and-release, however; if they are fishing on a boat- the same rules as boating apply and they must be with immediate family members or people they live with.
When fishing from onshore or at a pier, social distancing must be followed. DNR fishing piers are set to reopen immediately.
Fishing tournaments are still prohibited.
The same 10 people or less rules apply to horseback riding, hunting and trapping.
"As long as Marylanders continue to take personal responsibility, continue to practice social distancing and continue to follow the guidance from public health officials," Hogan said the numbers will continue to decrease and the state will get closer to reopening.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
