Press Release: Montgomery County Lifts the Indoor Mask Requirement Tuesday, Feb. 22

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 21, 2022

Effective Tuesday, Feb. 22, at midnight, Montgomery County will terminate its mandate requiring masks or face coverings indoors in locations accessible to the public.

The Montgomery County Council met, as the Board of Health, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, and enacted a Second Amended Board of Health Regulation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The updated regulation extended indoor masking guidance in public spaces in Montgomery County until Feb. 21, at 11:59 p.m. and will terminate without any further action by the County’s Board of Health.

“I continue to appreciate everything our residents and businesses have done and continue to do to keep our residents, employees and visitors safe,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “That work and support have been essential in reducing our transmission. While masks will no longer be required in indoor public spaces, I will generally continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces because wearing a mask, as well as being fully vaccinated and boosted, are the best ways to reduce the risk of transmitting and getting COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if there should be another surge, based on our experience over the last two years, we know what we need to do to reduce the risk.”

Despite the mandate being lifted, businesses and other organizations can continue to require customers or visitors to wear a mask in their establishments. The County is strongly recommending that front-facing staff, who have not received their booster, and visitors in County Government offices and facilities continue to wear a mask/face covering in publicly accessible areas. The lifting of the indoor mandate from the Board of Health does not impact mask requirements in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Maryland State Department of Education and Montgomery County Board of Education sets policy for public schools in the County.

“I want to thank all the Montgomery County residents who have been vaccinated, boosted and followed the public health guidance to get us to this stage, so we can suspend the indoor mask mandate,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz, who also serves as the chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee. “In consultation with our outstanding public health team, we have determined that an indoor mask mandate is not required at this point because Montgomery County’s vaccination rates are some of the best in the nation and case rates, hospitalizations, and community transmission rates are low.

“We ask everyone to respect the decisions made by individuals who continue to wear masks and the rules instituted by businesses, health care and service providers and venues located in Montgomery County. The Council will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends and developments with County Executive Elrich and our public health experts, as the pandemic begins to transition into an endemic stage.”

The CDC also recommends that individuals who are unvaccinated should continue to wear mask or face covering when indoors or in crowded areas to minimize the potential spread of the virus.

Visit the County’s COVID-19 data dashboard to review the latest metrics and key indicators. The dashboard is updated daily by 2 p.m. Find additional information on masks and transmission levels on the COVID-19 website. If you are not vaccinated, find free vaccination clinics at www.GoVAXMoCo.com. If you feel sick or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested. Find free testing clinics at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

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Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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