Beginning today, masks are no longer required to be worn inside of gyms, restaurants, stores, and other areas. Below is a list of places that, for the time being, will still require masks.
Public Schools: The Maryland State Board of Education has a statewide indoor mask requirement for public schools and is meeting today (February 22nd) to discuss future plans for the mask requirement.
The Montgomery County Board of Education is set to take up the school system’s mask policy at a meeting on February 24. Individual school systems within Maryland will be able to make their own decision on masking requirements.
Last week the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) sent a letter to Catholic school parents stating that masks will no longer be required indoors in their Maryland school facilities for students, staff, or visitors beginning February 21.
Public Transportation:
Due to a federal requirement, Metro, Metro Bus, and Ride-On will require all passengers to wear face masks until at least March 18.
In August, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended the face mask requirement for, “individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems” until March 18.
City Buildings:
All three cities in Montgomery County have announced that mask requirements will stay in place in city buildings after Montgomery County’s mask mandate expires.
Last Friday, Takoma Park released the following information:
Although Montgomery County’s mask mandate is set to expire on Monday, February 21, the City of Takoma Park will continue to adhere to City Manager Fox’s mask mandatein city buildings and facilities for all employees and visitors until further notice.
This will apply to all employees and visitors of city buildings and facilities, including:
- Community Center/Police Department
- Takoma Park Maryland Library and computer center
- Public Works
- Recreation Center
- Heffner building
Gaithersburg and Rockville will also be keeping their mask requirements in place in city buildings for both employees and visitors.
Gaithersburg City Manager Tanisha Briley told Bethesda Beat, “we are following CDC’s guidance regarding community transmission levels and masking which recommends universal masking when in substantial transmission, which is our current level.”
All three cities kept their mask requirements in place this past October when Montgomery County briefly lifted its mandate.
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