Ocean City Lifts Restrictions on Hotels and Rentals Ahead of Maryland Reopening

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Phase one of Maryland's gradual reopening begins Friday at 5 p.m. Ocean City is lifting restrictions on hotels and rentals Thursday at 5 p.m. The decision came out of Thursday's Town Council meeting. 

Hotels and rentals will no longer  be limited to hosting essential guests. Travelers from the tristate area will no longer have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Social distancing requirements remain in effect and social gatherings are still limited to 10 people. 

"We want to make sure that not only are we protecting our visitors and our residents, but that we're keeping our employees safe," says Communications Manager Jessica Waters. "We're going to be making sure that everybody has the appropriate PPE, masks, enhanced cleaning measures will be taken." Waters says Ocean City is prepared for a larger crowd than on May 9 when hen the beach and boardwalk reopened. An increased police presence can be seen around town.   "We actually have increased our highway visibility over the last several weeks, so that will continue," Waters says. "We're focusing on education." While face coverings are only a suggestion outside and on the boardwalk, face coverings will still be required for indoor public settings, such as retail stores and on public transportation. Gov. Larry Hogan is encouraging businesses to take the

by posting flyers from the state's website for customers to see that they're adhering to strict safety guidelines and best practices.   "We are going to be having our pumping station on the front table so that people can sanitize their hands. when they enter," says Ish Boutique Owner Christina Lawson.  Lawson says Ish Boutique will wipe its door after each customer who opens it and that clothes will be steamed after people try them on. She plans on opening Saturday morning with a plan to meet the 50% capacity limit. "Four to five at a time in here, I'm thinking if everyone can kind of space out," says Lawson. "One person looking at the home section, maybe one person looking at jewelry."  Art galleries are also included in phase one of reopening. Executive Director Rina Thaler says the Art League of Ocean City will open its galleries on Tuesday to groups of 10 at a time. Classes and events will be held virtually, but the league is preparing for when they will be held in person again on June 1. "We have plexiglass shields that are being installed at the front counter," says Thaler. "At the classroom desks each student will be 6 feet apart, only one student per table."  

for best practices each industry should follow upon reopening.