MoCo Puts Phase 3 On Hold To See If There’s A July 4 Spike

SILVER SPRING, MD — Looks like the July 4 holiday will serve as a test for when Montgomery County will enter Phase Three of its coronavirus reopening plan.

During a COVID-19 media briefing on Wednesday, County Executive Marc Elrich said he wouldn't announce a reopening date until he knew there weren't any surges tied to Independence Day celebrations.

"We are going to wait until we've got at least a week from this weekend to make sure we don't see a spike in cases," he said. "We will be discussing this next weekend and we will move forward as appropriate."

In recent weeks, more than a dozen states have paused or rolled back their coronavirus reopening plans after seeing spikes in new cases. Among them are Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. Maryland's numbers, however, remain steady.

For Montgomery County, Wednesday marks two weeks of double-digit rises in new coronavirus cases. The total now stands at 14,803.

During the media briefing, Elrich commended residents for helping keep the numbers down, but asked them to think twice before heading to the beach for the holiday weekend.

"Hopefully the numbers will be good and hopefully residents will perhaps not go to the beach this year, and will (instead) find great things to do in Montgomery County, like walk in our parks or hang out in their yard," he said.

Municipalities across Montgomery County were forced to cancel their annual Independence Day events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In lieu of those events, the county is putting together a televised concert and fireworks display.

"I've told people to turn up the volume on their TV so they can fully enjoy the fireworks. They're meant to be enjoyed loudly, I believe," Elrich said. "I also remind people that fireworks are dangerous, and that fireworks are not allowed in Montgomery County or the state of Maryland."

The Democrat added that large crowds can be dangerous, too.

"If you're going to gather with friends, please adhere to social distancing or physical distancing rules, please wear a face covering, and please do it outside rather than inside, because it's safer," he said.