Today County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced new restrictions due to the uptick in coronavirus cases. As of 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, all social gatherings not associated with operating or patronizing a business establishment or otherwise subject to existing state orders will be limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Bars and restaurants must now close at 12 a.m. Furthermore, all Baltimore County youth recreational indoor and outdoor sports will be prohibited until further notice.

The announcement from County Executive Olszewski comes on the heels of Governor Hogan announcing a sharp uptick in covid cases and a rapidly rising positivity rate. As of November 13, the statewide positivity rate has risen to 5.87 percent. Back on October 19, the state’s positivity rate was 2.3 percent. It is clear that County Executive Olszewski’s actions, however frustrating, are necessary. It is imperative that we redouble our efforts to defeat this virus, and that includes wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, and quarantining when necessary.

I would also like to thank Governor Hogan for his most recent economic injection of $70 million, which he announced on Thursday afternoon. Of that $70 million, $20 million will go to securing PPE, $15 million will go to funding unemployment insurance benefits, $10 million for renter’s relief, and $10 million for mass vaccination planning.

Both Governor Larry Hogan and County Executive Johnny Olszewski have done a great job leading us through this so far, but they can only do so much. It is up to each one of us individually to act responsibly and take the proper precautions if we are going to stop this increase.