UPDATE: Baltimore County will align with the state’s actions.

Original story below…

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ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan delivered a COVID-19 update to Maryland residents on Wednesday afternoon.  Governor Hogan was joined by Dr. Jinlene Chan with the Maryland Department of Health.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Governor Hogan announced that Maryland had surpassed more than 4.5 million vaccines administered. Nearly 85% of Marylanders over 65 and more than 60% of Marylanders 18 and older have been vaccinated. COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 has dropped by 33% over the past 2 weeks and the state’s positivity rate has dropped to 3.89%. Hospitalizations are down 44% from their winter peak.

Outdoor Masking

Effective immediately, masks and face coverings are no longer required outdoors. Health officials say lifting this order is in line with the latest CDC guidance and follows the advice of leading public health experts. Masks and face coverings will still be required at all large ticketed venues, as well as indoors at all public and private businesses, and when using public transportation.

The governor’s amended masking order can be viewed here.

Outdoor Dining

Effective Saturday, May 1, all restrictions will be lifted for outdoor dining. Standing service may resume outdoors at bars and restaurants, and all capacity and distancing restrictions related to outdoor dining will be lifted. Seated service and physical distancing requirements will remain in place indoors at bars and restaurants, and individuals who are not vaccinated should continue to be cautious.

“We expect to be able to take additional actions in the weeks ahead and to return to a sense of normalcy,” said Governor Hogan.

Mass Vaccination Sites

Maryland now has 12 mass vaccination sites open and fully operational for anyone who wishes to receive a vaccine. The 13th and final site at the Mall in Columbia (Howard County) will open Friday, and is anticipating a record opening day of 1,000 vaccinations.

Beginning Saturday, May 1, all eligible Marylanders will be able to go online at https://covidvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX and immediately book an appointment at any of the state’s mass vaccination sites.