Friday, May 22, 2020
#CharlesCountyStrong
Charles County is Ready to Reopen on May 29, 2020
What does reopening mean?
As Charles County moves into stage one of our recovery from COVID-19, we have never faced such a difficult or more important moment. We are depending on one another to each do our part to ensure our community stays safe as we gradually re-open our doors. Working together has never been more necessary as we look to revive our local economy, put people back to work, and provide the goods and services our community needs. We can all be proud of how we, as one community, are demonstrating our ability to leverage our collective knowledge, resources, and ideas to develop an effective approach to achieve these goals. I am confident we can do this responsibly because we are #CharlesCountyStrong and we are moving forward together.

It's important, that as we reopen, to remember wearing masks and social distancing are still very much in effect. It is still mandatory to keep the numbers of people in a group to ten or less. These are just the top required measures that are allowing us to begin the process of reopening.

Please stay safe, know the facts, and make smart decisions. Take a moment to read Governor Hogan's Order that specifically outlines requirements for gatherings.
Latest Videos, Podcasts, and Radio Interviews
May 21, 2020: Chief of Media Services, Jennifer Harris talks with Dr. Howard Haft, Maryland Department of Health, about how the public can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and what to expect in Charles County as we move toward a Phase One reopening on May 29.

May 19, 2020: Listen to the audio interview featuring T-Bone and Heather from Star 98.3 FM as they interview Dr. Howard Haft, MD Department of Health regarding Charles County and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses: What you need to know
The Charles County Board of Commissioners is pleased to partner with the Chamber of Commerce to help our business community re-open on May 29. Like you, we are eager to invite the community back into our small businesses in a safe and sustainable manner. We know everyone has made significant sacrifices over the past couple of months, and many of you have adapted in unique and innovative ways to keep your business going for the duration of the closure.

Visit the Chamber of Commerce webpage to learn more about resources available, promoting Charles County Strong, and more:


It hasn’t been easy, but we are grateful for everything you have done to help stop the spread of the virus and keep our community safe.  #CharlesCountyStrong

All businesses should be completely familiar and prepared to follow Governor Larry Hogan's orders on gatherings. Read Governor Hogan's Order.
Take the Maryland Strong: Back to Business Pledge
Pledge to open safely and responsibly
Maryland’s business community plays a critical role in protecting our citizens and preventing another surge of COVID-19 infections. Governor Hogan is encouraging Maryland business owners to take the Maryland Strong Back to Business Pledge, and display a signed pledge in their place of business.

Responsible business owners are encouraged to take the pledge to:
  • Create an environment that allows for physical distancing between individuals (6 feet is recommended) to the extent possible.
  • Ensure their place of business is routinely cleaned and encourage our employees to frequently wash their hands.
  • Provide flexibility to their employees, provide training and education and clearly communicate policies and procedures.
  • Reduce and disinfect as many ‘high touch surfaces’ as possible
  • Additionally follow guidance provided by the CDC, the Maryland Department of Health and their own industry.

Moving Forward Together - One Voice ... We are Charles County Strong!   
Back to Business | Maryland is Open for Business

As the state gets back to business, our business owners are urged to continue to put people first. This means adhering to best practices that ensure the safety of your workers and customers alike. Through our collective efforts, Maryland's...

Read more
open.maryland.gov
Charles Recovery Resources

"Charles County is where we started our company and where we grew and expanded. We now operate our managed print and managed IT solutions in five states and provide custom apps all around the globe. Our headquarters is still in Charles County, an ...

Read more
www.meetcharlescounty.com
Our Community: What you need to know
#CharlesCountyHasItCovered
As we get closer to Friday, May 29, and select businesses begin to reopen, it is more important than ever to continue wearing masks and keeping up with social distancing.

Don't let that get you down! The community that represents Charles County -- YOU -- is doing a great job. We see your masks everywhere! Now it's time to share your pride along with how you are staying safe.
Share your Mask Selfies with us!
Post your photos and stories on Facebook and Twitter and use #CharlesCountyHasItCovered to show us that you support your County and that you are staying safe! Pictured above is a few of our Charles County Emergency Operations Center members showing us how its done.
A Gradual Reopening: What does this Mean?
The Charles County Board of Commissioners care deeply about you. Their decisions for reopening are difficult. Our community has never faced such a difficult or more important moment. This is why a gradual reopening is the smartest way to move forward.

Please keep Governor Hogan's words in mind when you begin to venture out to the newly reopened businesses:

"Marylanders, particularly older and more vulnerable Marylanders, are strongly advised to continue staying home as much as possible. Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so. Maryland citizens should continue wearing masks in indoor public areas, retail stores, and on public transportation. Additionally, Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing, continue avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, keep washing their hands often, and frequently sanitize high-touch areas."

Read Governor Hogan Announces Gradual Reopenings With Flexible, Community-Based Approach for Stage One which provides detailed explanations relevant to the list provided below, or view Gov. Hogan's related presentation slides.
BUSINESSES PERMITTED TO OPEN ON FRIDAY, MAY 29
  • Animal adoption shelters
  • Art galleries
  • Beauty salons/Barbershops (hair services only, and by appointment only)
  • Bookstores
  • Car washes
  • Clothing and shoe stores
  • Florists
  • Furniture stores
  • Jewelers
  • Lawn and garden stores
  • Pawn shops
  • Pet groomers
  • Places of Worship (see below)
  • Sporting goods stores
  • Tobacco and vape shops
Places of worship: Churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious facilities are encouraged to conduct worship outside , but they may have indoor events at 50 percent capacity. All are expected to practice social distancing during indoor events.
BUSINESSES THAT WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
  • Tattoo Parlors
  • Tanning Salons 
  • Massage Parlors 
  • Senior activity centers 
  • Restaurants and bars– except for delivery or carryout
  • Fitness centers and gyms 
  • Movie theaters 
  • Malls (still closed, except for stores that with access from outside the facility. Concourses, food courts and retailers that can only be accessed from within must remain closed
  • Amusement and entertainment centers: such as miniature golf locales, bowling alleys, pool halls and bingo halls; as well as fraternal clubs.
Remember to take your 2020 Census.
Helpful Links for Charles County Government
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