Statewide Requirement for Face Coverings Takes Effect Saturday, April 18; Additional Locations and Businesses Affected

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 17, 2020

 Starting Saturday, April 18, Governor Larry Hogan’s executive order requiring face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will go into effect.  Maryland residents statewide must wear face coverings:

• at all foodservice establishments
• on public transportation, including ride-sharing and taxi services
• at all retail establishments, including grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, home improvement stores and farmers markets
• at laundromats

            “The Governor’s order recognizes that while everyone should be staying home as much as possible, when going out in public to buy groceries or make other essential trips, we should all be wearing face coverings to protect others and protect ourselves,” said Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

            The Governor’s statewide mandate will take the place of the order the Montgomery County Health Officer released on April 10.  Montgomery County was one of the first in the state to mandate the use of face coverings in public spaces.

           Visit Governor Larry Hogan’s website to view the full text of the executive order.

           For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

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Release ID: 20-200
Media Contact: Julie Parker 240-777-6507