Masks No Longer Required For Most Anne Arundel Residents

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — County Executive Steuart Pittman lifted Anne Arundel's mask mandate last Friday. The change took effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Residents now only need to wear face coverings in schools, on public transportation and in medical facilities.

The move aligns with Gov. Larry Hogan's decision to end the statewide mask requirement on Friday. As always, counties can be more restrictive. They may not be more lenient than the governor, however. Anne Arundel chose to follow Hogan's guidance.

Individual businesses still have the right to require face coverings to enter their private property. Hogan explained that establishments are "obviously free to set their own policies with respect to masking, and we support their ability to do so."

Anne Arundel County no longer has any capacity or social gathering restrictions. The slight face covering rule is the only remaining coronavirus regulation. Pittman lifted his outdoor mask mandate on April 29.

Updated CDC Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its recommendation last week that immunized people wear masks and distance themselves indoors.

Health officials still suggest masking and distancing for unvaccinated residents. They also support masking and distancing in health care settings and crowded spaces. This includes prisons, buses, planes and homeless shelters.

The CDC noted that Americans still must follow local laws and workplace rules before changing their behavior. Though the CDC only changed its guidelines for inoculated residents, Hogan said it would be a "logistical nightmare" to determine everybody's immunization status.

"It was much easier just to lift it all and to continue to give people good advice," the governor added.

Health Metrics

Without mask regulations, Anne Arundel County renewed its immunization push.

"If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, go get your shot," Pittman said in a press release. "We need a summer surge in vaccinations to prevent a fall surge in cases."

Around 39 percent of Anne Arundel County residents are fully immunized. Nearly 50 percent have gotten at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

The case rate is at its lowest clip since August 21, 2020. The positivity rate hasn't dipped to this level since Oct. 27, 2020. On Thursday, hospitalizations were at their best mark since Sept. 28, 2020. Inpatients have since increased.

Patch editors Elizabeth Janney, Rich Kirby and Sarah Salvadore contributed reporting to this story.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

Anybody 16 or older can now get the coronavirus vaccine at providers across the state. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot.

Catch up on the infection and inoculation metrics in Anne Arundel County with our most recent numbers update. Head to Patch's immunization page to keep up with Maryland's latest vaccine news.

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RELATED:

• Third Of Anne Arundel Fully Vaccinated; In-Person Events Targeted
• How To Get COVID-19 Vaccine In Anne Arundel County
• Masks In Maryland: 'No More Restrictions,' Governor Says
• Maryland Will Open Vaccination To Residents 12 And Older Starting Thursday
• BWI Has 2nd-Busiest Day In Pandemic As Airlines See Higher Demand

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.