Elrich Reopening Announcement Marred by Protesters

What was expected to be a joyous announcement Thursday afternoon unexpectedly turned ugly.

Protesters booed, heckled and name-called during a press conference in which County Executive Marc Elrich announced that Phase 1 of reopening Montgomery County would occur on Monday, June 1 at 6 a.m.

The press conference took place in Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg and also featured Montgomery County health officer Dr. Travis Gayles and County council president Sidney Katz.

Elrich was met with criticism about the county’s decision-making in reopening.

The county says it has seen improvements in COVID-19 metrics like daily new cases, testing capacity and hospitalizations. Phase 1 is part of a gradual reopening for the county, and will take place with public health measures like physical distancing and face coverings in effect.

About Maryam Shahzad

Maryam is a reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. Previously, she was an intern with MCM. She can be reached at mshahzad@mymcmedia.org or on Twitter @maryam_mcm.

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