PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 15, 2020 – In response to Gov. Hogan’s announcement May 13, 2020, that Maryland will move from the Stay at Home Order to a Safer at Home Public Health Advisory, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announces Calvert County will take parallel actions.

Gov. Hogan authorized Stage I of Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery to include the gradual reopening of retail, manufacturing, worship and some personal services, effective at 5 p.m. today. Local businesses and citizens should review the state guidelines, available online at https://governor.maryland.gov/recovery. Business may also contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development by email info@ecalvert.com or by calling 410-535-4583.

As recovery begins, statewide limitations on gatherings, physical distancing measures and other protective health guidelines remain in place to continue reducing the spread of COVID-19.

On May 14, the BOCC extended the local state of emergency (SOE). This declaration provides local authority to maintain the Calvert County Emergency Operations Center that provides coordination with local, state and federal authorities. The SOE impacts county government emergency management operations and does not impact private business operations. Guidance is available via the Maryland Roadmap to Recovery for the impact to local businesses and other organizations.

County government is open, however buildings remain closed to the public. In accordance with the plan, Calvert County provides updated information on some local services:

• Calvert County Transportation will run the south fixed route bus service from 7:15 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. The north fixed route bus service will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both services will begin Monday, May 18, and run Monday through Friday. Saturday transit service will remain canceled until further notice. Masks are required for all passengers with a limit of nine passengers per transportation bus at a time. Passengers who need transportation for essential trips should contact the Transportation office at 410-535-4268 to schedule their ride.

• The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter remains closed to the public for walk-in visits, but will be open by appointment only. Shelter staff will remain onsite to care for animals and to sanitize and disinfect the facility. For questions, please contact the shelter at 410-535-7387 or AnimalShelter@calvertcountymd.gov.

• Most Calvert County parks will be open to residents and non-residents with normal hours at restricted capacity beginning Saturday, May 16. Dunkirk, Hallowing Point, Cove Point, and Solomons Town Center Parks will continue to close at civil twilight. Playgrounds, pavilions, skate parks, restrooms, athletic fields and basketball courts remain closed.

• Breezy Point and Flag Ponds beaches will continue to be open with regular operating hours for Calvert County residents only. Beginning Saturday, May 16, beaches will allow sunbathing, picnicking, swimming and other beach activities with distancing requirements. Park capacity will be restricted. Public restrooms will open beginning Monday, May 18. Grills and picnic tables will NOT be available.

• Chesapeake Hills Golf Course continues to be open with a modified tee time schedule and reduced capacity. Scheduling tee times prior to arrival is recommended to ensure accommodation. Public restrooms are available for use.

Citizens are reminded:

• Gathering of groups are limited to no more than 10 people.

• Capacity at each park will be adjusted to maintain social distancing.

• Patrons will not be allowed to wait at a park gate to gain entry once capacity is reached.

• Recreation activities such as walking, hiking, running or biking are permitted while adhering to 6-foot social distancing measures.

• Users must provide the following information to park staff upon arrival: including name, county of residence, number of people in vehicle / party.

The county continues to share the latest updates surrounding Calvert County’s response to COVID-19 through a virtual resource center on its website, including any precautionary measures, guidance and closures at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Coronavirus. Updates will continue to appear on the Calvert County