[Greater-Baltimore] Baltimore Keeps Mask Mandate Intact Despite State Lifting It | Baltimore, MD Patch

[William Borner]

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Baltimore Keeps Mask Mandate Intact Despite State Lifting It
"If you want that mask mandate to go away, get vaccinated," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference Monday.

Elizabeth Janney, Patch StaffPosted Mon, May 17, 2021 at 3:28 pm ETUpdated Mon, May 17, 2021 at 3:56 pm ET

In Baltimore the rate of vaccinated residents is lower than across Maryland. (Shutterstock)
BALTIMORE, MD — While Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan lifted the mandate that people wear face coverings in Maryland, local jurisdictions can impose their own guidelines.

Baltimore, which has typically taken a more restrictive posture than the state throughout the pandemic, is continuing to require masks when people are both inside and out.

The mayor and health commissioner cited vaccination rates. In Baltimore the rate of vaccinated residents is lower than in Maryland.

"If you want that mask mandate to go away, get vaccinated," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference Monday.

The governor lifted Maryland's mask mandates effective at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 15.

Statewide, about 42.5 percent of residents have gotten either two doses of a two-dose COVID-19 shot or one single-dose vaccine, state health officials reported Monday.

In Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Health reports 41.28 percent of Baltimore residents have received either two doses of a two-shot COVID-19 vaccine series or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires one shot.

About 33 percent of Baltimore residents have been fully vaccinated — meaning two weeks have passed since they have been inoculated — WBAL reported, citing Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa at Monday's news conference.

The mask mandate will remain in effect until 65 percent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine in Baltimore, according to WBAL.

"Masking works. It has been proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19," Scott and Dzirasa said in a statement Friday. "Public health experts agree that disease transmissions much more likely in indoor spaces, especially when masks are not worn."

As of Monday, 41.713 percent of Baltimore residents have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, according to state health data.

"Until the city reaches a higher level of vaccination, indoor masking and masking at outdoor venues will be required," Scott and Dzirasa said.

The Maryland governor lifted capacity limits statewide Saturday, May 15. In line with the state, Baltimore has lifted capacity restrictions.

Related:

Masks In Maryland: 'No More Restrictions,' Governor Says
Capacity Restrictions To Be Lifted, MD Prepares To Vaccinate Kids


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