Reopening: Frequently Asked Questions
This list of Frequently Asked Questions will be updated as new questions and answers are received.
How can I tell if my business can reopen under Phase 1 Guidelines?
Review County Executive Order #070-20 and the Reopening Montgomery web site for details on which businesses are included in Phase 1.
My business is included in Phase 1 Reopening Montgomery. Are there resources available to help me prepare my workplace to reopen?
Yes. Those businesses that are included in Phase 1 should refer to Reopening Montgomery web site for detailed information.
My business is not included in Phase 1 Reopening Montgomery, but I want to be prepared for when I am able to reopen. Are there resources available to help me prepare?
Yes. Please visit the Reopening Resources web page for valuable information on preparing to reopen.
Do businesses have to meet certain requirements in order to reopen under Phase 1?
Yes, businesses must print and post the Business Reopening Requirements available on the Reopening Montgomery web site.
My business is not included in the Phase 1 reopening. What guidance should I be following?
If your business is not included in Reopening Phase I, please continue to follow Governor Hogan's May 6 executive order and Office of Legal Counsel Guidance prior to May 15: https://governor.maryland.gov/covid-19-pandemic-orders-and-guidance/
What will be included in Phase 2 and Phase 3 reopening in Montgomery County?
Please track what is being done at the state level for an idea of what might be included in Phase 2 and Phase 3 reopening. Although the County is not reopening at the same pace as the State, our phased opening is likely to roughly mirror what the state is doing.
Are there specific steps a restaurant must follow to provide outdoor dining?
Yes. The County has established a streamlined process that allows restaurants and bars to register with the County to provide food and beverage service in outdoor areas. Visit the Reopening Montgomery web site for detailed information and links to the registration forms.
What is included in "hair services"?
Hair salons and barbers may provide a full range of hair services for hair on a person's head.
When will County services resume?
County services will resume through a phased process. Some services have remained open for the entire event while others have provided limited services or online services. Check the County website for specific services. Please monitor the County's COVID-19 Closures and Service Modifications web page for updates as they become available. Questions should be directed to MC311.
Are residents allowed to have yard sales under Phase 1 of reopening?
No. This activity is not included in Reopening Montgomery Phase I. Please monitor the Reopening Montgomery web site where updated information on Phase 2 and Phase 3 requirements will be posted when available.
What phase does the County need to be in for me to have a family gathering of 50 people in a large indoor banquet hall?
Please monitor the Reopening Montgomery web site where updated information on Phase 2 and Phase 3 requirements will be posted when available.
Does Phase 1 allow for real estate showings, viewings and/or real estate transaction in a residential condominium association (high-rise)?
No. This activity is not included in Reopening Montgomery Phase 1. Please monitor the Reopening Montgomery web site where updated information on Phase II and Phase III requirements will be posted when available.
Are outside church services with social distancing permitted in Phase 1?
Drive-In Religious Services are allowed under Phase I reopening. Please see Paragraph2(a)(b)(c) of Executive Order #070-20.
Are esthetic services permitted in Phase 2?
Esthetic service is defined in Md. Business Occupations Article Sec 5-101(o) as:
- cleansing, exercising, massaging, stimulating, or performing any other similar procedure on the skin or scalp by electrical, mechanical, or any other means;
- applying to the face an alcohol, cream, lotion, astringent, or cosmetic preparation; or
- removing superfluous hair by the use of a depilatory, tweezers, or wax.
Hair is defined in Md. Bus Occ. 5-101(p) as “service of beautifying, cleaning, or embellishing the hair of the individual by:
- arranging the hair;
- bleaching the hair;
- cleansing the hair;
- coloring the hair;
- curling the hair;
- cutting the hair;
- dressing the hair;
- singeing the hair;
- permanent waving the hair;
- waving the hair; or
- performing any other similar procedure intended to beautify, clean, or embellish the hair.”
Nail technician services are defined in Bus. Occ. 5-101(r) as:
- manicuring or pedicuring the individual's nails;
- applying artificial nail enhancement products; or
- maintaining artificial nail enhancement products.