ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the County will follow the Governor’s recommendation and lift its mask mandate on Saturday, May 15, with the exception of public transit, in schools, day-cares, and medical facilities.
Following recent CDC guidance, and considering more than 75% of Howard County residents 16+ have received their first vaccine dose, we feel confident relaxing the mask mandate that was in place. With that said, I strongly encourage residents who have not yet been fully vaccinated to continue wearing masks until they have received their vaccine. It’s never been easier to get vaccinated, and we have sites around Howard County ready to get shots in arms. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your loved ones.
“Given the mask guidance released by the CDC and the improving metrics we have seen in the County over the last several weeks, members of our community who are fully vaccinated can now safely resume activities without a mask or social distancing,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. “However, there is still risk of illness for those who have not yet been vaccinated. The County and Health Department are providing many opportunities to receive vaccine at convenient clinics throughout the community. We encourage all of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones to take advantage of these clinics to protect themselves and get back to a more normal life.”