(a) If, under an initial claim filed on or after January 1, 1988, temporary total disability benefits are reopened under § 9-736(b) of this title, the employer or its insurer shall pay the covered employee compensation that equals two-thirds of the average weekly wage of the covered employee, but:

(1) does not exceed the lesser of:

(i) the average weekly wage of the State on the date of reopening; or

(ii) 150% of the initial award; and

(2) is not less than the initial award.

(b) The employer or its insurer shall pay the compensation for the period that the covered employee is temporarily totally disabled.