Prince George's Lifts Mask Mandate, Aligns With State

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's County lifted its mask mandate on Wednesday. The change takes effect Friday at 5 p.m. Residents now only need to wear face coverings in schools, on public transportation and in medical facilities.

"Due to a continued decline in key COVID-19 metrics and increasing vaccination rates, we are now in a place where our health officials have advised it is safe to lift our County’s mask mandate," County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said in a press release. "I want to thank Prince Georgians for working hard to get us to this point in our fight against COVID-19."

The move aligns with Gov. Larry Hogan's decision to end the statewide mask requirement on May 14. As always, counties can be more restrictive. They may not be more lenient than the governor, however. Prince George's chose to follow Hogan's guidance, albeit two weeks later.

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."

Prince George's County no longer has any capacity restrictions. The slight face covering rule is the only remaining coronavirus regulation. Alsobrooks lifted her outdoor mask mandate on April 30.

"Please remember to be respectful of those who choose to continue wearing a mask," Alsobrooks added. "Please be respectful of people’s personal space as we adjust to these new changes after a difficult year for so many in our community."

Updated CDC Guidance

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its recommendation 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 updated 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, Prince George's County renewed its immunization push.

"We continue to encourage everyone who is not yet vaccinated to do so as soon as possible," Alsobrooks concluded.

Around 36 percent of Prince George's County residents are fully immunized. Nearly 45 percent have gotten at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Click here to learn how to get the inoculation.

The case rate is at its lowest clip since March 31, 2020. The percent positivity is at a record minimum. Hospitalizations are at their best mark since the week of Sept. 27, 2020.

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

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

Anybody 12 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 Prince George's 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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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.