This week’s surge in coronavirus cases has led Baltimore City to impose new restrictions and issue an order for people to wear facial coverings at all times in the city.

Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday said he saw no need to take drastic, immediate action despite the surge in cases.

Baltimore Mayor Jack Young sees it differently and announced on Nov. 6 increased coronavirus restrictions to take effect at 5 p.m. on Nov 12.

“I know there is COVID fatigue, but, now more than ever, I need the residents of Baltimore City to remain on guard,” Young said. “If we want to stop the surge before the holidays, we need to change behaviors now.”

The mayor also announced that facial coverings are required to be worn in public, indoors and outdoors in Baltimore City, effective immediately.

The new restrictions include:

• Outdoor and indoor gatherings at public and private facilities, private homes and any public space are limited to no more than 10 persons.
• Gatherings at event venues are permitted to open up 25% of the facility’s maximum capacity.
• Religious facilities shall not exceed 25% of the facility’s maximum capacity.
• Retail establishments and malls are capped at 25% maximum capacity.
• Personal service establishments are capped at 25% maximum capacity.
• Indoor and outdoor recreational establishments are capped at 25% maximum capacity.
• Fitness centers are capped at 25% maximum capacity.
• The casino is capped at 25% maximum capacity.
• Theaters and outdoor entertainment venues are capped at 25% maximum capacity.
• Food service establishments are capped at 25% maximum capacity. Restaurants must close at 10 p.m., and bars licensed as low-priority food service facilities that are not licensed for food service are not permitted to open.

Many of the owners on The Avenue in Hampden say they’re barely managing as is, while also following safety precautions.

One employee told 11 News the new restrictions only make things worse.

“It does directly impact us,” said Aaron Dow, a bartender at the13.5% Wine Bar. “But, there’s nothing that we can do. I’m for my health as oppose to the funds.”

“I’m not losing money wearing a mask. The business isn’t losing money. It feels like it’s the least we could do,” said Peter Winzh, a customer who agrees with the mask mandate.

“I appreciate him for making sure that we’re always going to be safe with the best health that we can have, but he just keeps cutting us further and further at the knees,” Dow said.

Read more at WBALTV