OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s most popular beach destination is set to reopen its shore this weekend after being closed for more than a month to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. News outlets report that Ocean City officials decided Monday to allow beaches and the boardwalk to open Saturday. City Council Secretary Mary Knight has suggested the city will allow visitors from out-of-town to spend the day at its beaches in addition to local residents. But a spokesman for the governor confirmed that day-trippers would go against the statewide stay-at-home order. Knight said visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines, though masks won’t be required.
Delaware
DOVER, Del. (AP) — Democratic Gov. John Carney says he will allow small businesses in Delaware to resume limited operations starting Friday. Tuesday’s announcement is aimed at gradually starting to lift restrictions Carney imposed on individuals and businesses more than seven weeks ago in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Certain retailers will be allowed to resume business using curbside pickup as long as social distancing can be maintained. Carney also announced a plan to provide all long-term care facilities in Delaware with the resources and training to test all patients and staff for COVID-19.
Virginia
RICHMOND, Va, (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he anticipates allowing nonessential businesses in the state to reopen by the end of next week. Northam's announcement extended by a week an executive order that closed businesses to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. The order initially was set to expire on Friday. It is now scheduled to expire on May 15. The governor says the state has made improvements in “flattening the curve,” or slowing the rate of new infections, and he says the state also has procured the necessary medical supplies to deal with new cases. But he says more time is needed before businesses reopen.
