Citing improved COVID-19 metrics, Howard County will begin easing some of its restrictions.
County Executive Calvin Ball announced Wednesday that limits on recreational sports, wedding receptions and social and fraternal organizations will be relaxed to meet current state standards of 50% capacity effective 5 p.m. Friday.
"Howard County has seen a consistent decline in our key metrics over the past two weeks, and we're very grateful to our residents and businesses who have taken precautions throughout this winter surge to slow the spread the virus," Ball said in a statement. "This is a step in the right direction?and we?must stay vigilant?to keep our data trending downward. After nearly a year with this pandemic, we all know the mitigation measures we must continue, wearing our masks, keeping our distance, washing our hands, and when it becomes available to you, getting a vaccine."