On Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan announced that masks and face coverings are no longer required outdoors in Maryland, effective immediately.
Lifting the order is in line with the latest CDC guidance and follows the advice of leading public health experts.
Want to know where your county stands in terms of the mask regulations? Take a look below!
Anne Arundel County:
UPDATE - County Executive Steuart Pittman and Anne Arundel County Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman announced today that Anne Arundel County rescinded its public safety order requiring residents to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces. The change reflects updated CDC guidance on face coverings.
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"We've been making decisions based on our data and guidance from our public health experts throughout the pandemic - just yesterday, we rolled back restrictions on social gatherings because we're headed in the right direction," County Executive Steuart Pittman said. "We trust and need our residents to continue doing their part to get vaccinated as soon as possible - it's our fastest path to herd immunity and ending this pandemic."
Baltimore City:
UPDATE - Baltimore City on Friday joined the state of Maryland and the CDC in relaxing some mask mandates outdoors.
That means people will no longer be required to wear face coverings while outdoors, unless they are attending concerts, sporting events and other live performances held outdoors.
Those not yet fully vaccinated are still strongly encouraged to wear a face covering when outdoors to reduce the chances of disease transmission.
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“The Mayor and Baltimore City Health Department are reviewing the most recent State mask order and want to ensure that Baltimore's local mask mandate is in alignment with CDC guidance. We would like to reiterate that the CDC's guidance for not wearing a mask when outdoors under certain conditions specifically refers to fully vaccinated individuals, or those interacting with fully vaccinated individuals.
Baltimore City will make an announcement regarding new mask guidance in the days to come.Currently only one out of four Baltimore residents are fully vaccinated. This means you can safely assume three out of four people you encounter in public are not yet fully vaccinated. While there is a lower risk of disease transmission outdoors, that is not the same as no-risk of disease transmission.
Creating policy that distinguishes between people who are vaccinated and non-vaccinated will inform our review of the current mask mandate.We continue to encourage Baltimore residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant by wearing masks in situations where physical distancing is not possible. We also encourage all Baltimore City residents aged 16 and up to get vaccinated as quickly as possible, by either signing up at covax.baltimorecity.gov or calling our Call Center at 443-984-8650 to register for an appointment.”
Baltimore County
Baltimore County will align with state of Maryland’s latest actions, which:
Effective immediately, no longer requires use of masks and face coverings in most outdoor situations.
Under the state’s order, face coverings are still required for all Marylanders at all large ticketed venues as well as indoors at all public and private businesses and when using public transportation. Marylanders who are not yet vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible.
Effective Saturday, May 1, lifts restrictions related to outdoor dining capacity and distancing and allows standing service outdoors at bars and restaurants.
Under the state’s order, seated service and physical distancing requirements indoors at bars and restaurants will remain in place.
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman:
“Harford County will lift outdoor mask requirements and lift restrictions on outdoor dining as outlined today by Gov. Hogan. With our drive-thru mass vaccination site open at Ripken Stadium, I continue to encourage everyone to get a vaccine and stay safe.”
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball:
UPDATE - After review, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball on Thursday said the county would align with the state and lift outdoor mask requirements.
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“Howard County residents and businesses have remained vigilant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is evident with more than 50% of residents receiving a first dose of a vaccine and a positivity rate of 3.3%. We are currently reviewing the Governor’s revised Executive Order to understand its full implications. We will continue to evaluate our metrics and we remain committed to making data informed, people driven decisions to keep Howard County residents safe.”
Ocean City:
Following Gov. Larry Hogan’s April 28 announcement that masks and face coverings are no longer required outdoors in the State of Maryland, the Town of Ocean City has lifted its outdoor mask mandate on the Boardwalk and in outdoor public places.
Visitors who are not yet vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks in outdoor public spaces, especially when physical distancing is not possible.
Prince George's County:
“We will follow CDC recommendations that say those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear a mask when outdoors walking, running, hiking or biking, or in small gatherings with members of their household or other fully vaccinated people,” said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Masks are still required in crowded outdoor venues like sports stadiums or outdoor concert venues. Unvaccinated residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and continue wearing their masks outdoors until they are fully vaccinated. Masks are still required in all indoor venues and while on public transportation.
