BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health on Tuesday announced that it will distribute free masks for Marylanders who visit state-run COVID-19 test sites at specified dates and locations throughout the summer, starting at the Baltimore Convention Center COVID-19 testing site on Wednesday, July 29 at 8 a.m.

The free mask events are part of the #MasksOnMaryland campaign to encourage all Marylanders to wear face coverings in public places to help prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19.

“Marylanders need to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while in public to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Community cooperation with mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing is still our best defense against the spread of COVID-19 at this time.”

MDH, the Baltimore City Health Department, and the Baltimore City Branch of the NAACP have teamed up to distribute the masks and promote testing at the Convention Center. Marylanders will receive a package of five re-useable masks and information on the importance of using them. MDH and local partners will host #MasksOnMaryland free mask giveaways throughout the summer and possibly into the fall, while supplies are available.

COVID-19 tests are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to patients, and Marylanders do not need to exhibit symptoms or suspect exposure in order to get tested. A doctor’s order is not required to get tested at the Baltimore Convention Center. Appointments are not required but they are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled by visiting covidtest.maryland.gov. Patients getting tested at the Baltimore Convention Center will be required to present identification.

The next #MasksOnMaryland event is planned for the week of August 3 at the Pimlico Race Course testing site. Details about the event will be available next week.

For more testing information and a comprehensive list of testing sites across the state, visit covidtest.maryland.gov.

Additional COVID-19 information and resources for Marylanders are available at https://coronavirus.maryland.gov.