Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday announced that Maryland is ready to reopen movie theaters, begin holding concerts and expand the size of religious gatherings as he granted permission for a modified third phase of coronavirus recovery to begin at 5 p.m. Friday.
Citing improving infection rates, the declining use of intensive care beds and expanded testing availability, Hogan said it is safe to lift more of the social restrictions that have been in place since March.
“We have crushed the curve and saved lives,” Hogan (R) said at a news conference, adding that not all activities have permission to resume. “We’re just slowly entering Phase 3 and we’re going to see how that goes.”
Hogan reiterated that local governments have the power to decide how much to reopen and can move at a slower pace than the state.
