From the first minute of Thursday, October 28, Montgomery County suspended its mandate to require protective masks in indoor places accessible to the public, after health authorities verified a continuous period of reduction in COVID-19 cases, thus reducing your emergency situation.
Acting county health official Dr. James Bridgers confirmed Wednesday that the jurisdiction achieved “seven consecutive days of moderate transmission – of COVID-19.
The guidelines for suspending the mandate are described in the corresponding regulations of the Health Board, adopted on August 5. In the event the county transmission rate increases to substantial transmission, the indoor mask mandate will be reinstated, Bridgers warned.
He added that even though the measure has been lifted, businesses and other organizations can continue to require customers or visitors to wear a mask in their establishments.
The county strongly recommends that all staff and visitors to county government offices and facilities continue to wear a mask or face covering in public access areas.
The lifting of the mandate from the Board of Indoor Health does not affect mask requirements in county public schools. In these cases, the Maryland Department of Education establishes the policy for those schools.
“Lifting our indoor mask mandate is a significant achievement for Montgomery County and its residents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
“We have come this far because the people and businesses in this county have accepted and adhered to the guidance we provided,” he said. But in his case, he said that “even if the mandate has been lifted, I will continue to wear a mask indoors and as long as I am in crowded outdoor environments.”
Elrich added that wearing a mask, as well as being fully vaccinated, “are the best ways to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.”
However, the federal requirement to wear a mask on public transportation – even on Montgomery Ride On buses – remains in effect for drivers and all passengers until at least January 18, the county said in a press release.
“The requirement of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to wear a covered face on all public transportation remains in effect until at least January 18 and applies to all public transportation in the county,” he stressed.
The regulations include Montgomery County Ride On buses, Ride On extRa, Flex, Flash, Metrobus, Metrorail, taxis, and transportation services ordered online. In such cases, passengers must wear their face covered throughout the trip.
All Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) buses have a supply of masks for those who do not have their own.
Ride On services remain free to all riders, a temporary change made during the COVID-19 health crisis.