County Executive Steuart Pittman and Anne Arundel Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman jointly announced today an Order for Public Safety that requires shoppers to wear face coverings in retail stores beginning Wednesday, April 15. Similarly, employees of retail stores will be required to wear face coverings when in any area of the establishment where they are likely to come in contact with coworkers or the public.
“Masks protect you and those around you,” said Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “It’s an important way each of us can slow the spread of the virus.”
In addition to the face covering requirements, the order also requires retail businesses to:
limit customer capacity to 50% of normal capacity;
maintain six feet between customers in checkout lines;
make aisles one-way wherever possible;
clearly mark social distancing restrictions, including six-foot separations and one-way requirements, on the floor;
provide access to sanitary restrooms and soap and or hand sanitizer for customers and workers;
discontinue all self-service food counters; and
the installation of a physical barrier or shield (e.g., clear Plexiglas or heavy plastic sheeting) between cashiers and customers is highly encouraged.
Any complaints or violations of this order will be investigated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. Violations are subject to a maximum $500 fine. The department has the authority to issue closure orders to businesses who violate this policy if necessary, but Dr. Kalyanaraman has indicated it will first issue warnings.