Naval Academy Reopens To Visitors; Masks Needed For Unvaccinated

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Support Activity reopened to visitors last Friday. The transition came after Maryland's coronavirus state of emergency expired the day before.

College officials on June 28 announced the reopening plans. This moved the academy into "a close-to-normal operations status."

Guests can now enter the Yard from sunrise to 7 p.m. Visitors must present a compliant REAL ID or a valid passport. They also must pass through a magnet detector and undergo a bag screening. Minors are allowed when they are accompanied by an adult with appropriate identification.

Masking and distancing are still required for unvaccinated personnel. This aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Naval Academy asked guests to be patient with their on-campus businesses, like restaurants, stores and tours. The school explained that it will take some time before it fills every job opening and returns to full staffing.

The academy also reminded residents that physical training and pets are not allowed in the ceremonial areas of the Yard. These regions are mapped out here and include:

• Porter Road
• Stribling Walk (bounded by Bancroft Hall T-Court, Chauvenet Hall, Michelson Hall, Sampson-Mahan-Maury Halls, Larson Hall and the Chapel)
• The portion of Decatur Road adjacent to Leahy Hall and the Museum
• Truxtun Road in front of the Naval Academy Club

Head to this link for more information on accessible parking, special events access and after-hours visits.

These changes officially move the Naval Academy from HPCON B to HPCON A.

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. Download our mobile application from the App Store or Google Play.

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.