Gov. Hogan says statewide mandate not on the table for now
Governor Larry Hogan said earlier this week that reinstating a statewide mask mandate was not on the table. The statement came as coronavirus infections and hospitalizations ticked upwards in Maryland. According to state health department data, 309 people were being treated for the virus in Maryland hospitals as of this past Tuesday.
While the Governor has ruled out a statewide mandate for now, local jurisdictions are taking or considering actions on their own. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman re-imposed a mask mandate for all individuals visiting county-owned buildings regardless of their vaccination status. Buildings include libraries and senior centers.
Officials in Montgomery County are considering a rule that would trigger a requirement for wearing masks in indoor public spaces if coronavirus transmission rates exceed certain thresholds. If approved, the rule would fall in line with the latest guidance from the CDC, which urges people to wear masks indoors in places where the virus is surging.
Still, other jurisdictions like Howard County are holding off on reinstituting mask mandates. Baltimore City and Baltimore County officials continue to confer about what, if any, further steps are needed to stem the spread of COVID-19.
