‘I Refuse to Live in Fear’: Residents React to County’s First Step in Reopening

Montgomery County residents who don’t approve of the county’s approach to reopening did not go unheard at Thursday’s press conference from Executive Marc Elrich. 

Elrich was booed as he took to the podium, and exclamations from residents continued throughout his announcements. 

“I’m in the bad age group, but I’m not afraid and I refuse to live in fear,” a Gaithersburg resident holding “OPEN” and “Freedom” signs told MyMCMedia. On Thursday, Elrich announced that Montgomery County will begin Phase 1 of reopening on June 1 at 6 a.m. Some services, like hair cutting, will be allowed, while others like nail salons will remain closed. 

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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