MD State Of Emergency To End July 1, Gov. Larry Hogan Announces

MARYLAND — The state of emergency in Maryland will end on July 1, after being in place since March 5, 2020.

"We've been through so much through these past 15 months, but just look at how far we've come together to reach this hopeful point," said Gov. Larry Hogan at a news conference Tuesday.

Hogan said masks and face coverings will no longer be required in any setting, including in schools or camps, though businesses will still be permitted to set their own mask requirements. There will be a grace period to help people transition out of the pandemic, Hogan said, including an additional 45 days to renew drivers licenses.

With one of the highest percentages of residents vaccinated against the coronavirus, Maryland's COVID-19 positivity rate is 0.82 percent, a "record low" said Hogan.

"While the end the State Of Emergency is an important step in our recovery from COVID-19, it does not mean that this virus and the variants no longer pose any threat," said Hogan at the news conference. "If you are vaccinated, you are safe, but those who are not vaccinated will continue to be at risk."

Hogan said there is no excuse to not get a COVID-19 vaccine.

More than 6.5 million vaccines doses have been administered in the state — more than 72 percent of Maryland adults have received at least one dose, he said. The New York Times reports that 64 percent of Marylanders age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

To encourage residents to get vaccinated, Hogan launched a lottery program in May. Every day, a vaccinated resident is chosen at random to receive $40,000. On July 4, someone will be chosen for the $400,000 prize. The prize money adds up to $2 million.

Hogan lifted the mask mandate in Maryland on May 15 after guidance came from the CDC, though some counties kept their own restrictions in place.

As more Marylanders are being vaccinated and need shifts, mass vaccination sites are beginning to close to make way for more community-based clinics, Hogan said earlier this month.

Find those closure dates here:

Now Closed

• Greenbelt Metro FEMA Community Vaccination Center

Last day to receive first dose: May 29
Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen

• Johnson & Johnson will be offered until June 19
• last day of state operation: June 19

Hagerstown Premium Outlets

• Site moves to Meritus Hospital on June 5
• Johnson & Johnson offered until demand diminishes

Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

• last day of state operation: June 19
• Johnson & Johnson will be offered until June 19

Last day to receive first dose: May 30
Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf

• Johnson & Johnson will be offered until June 24
• last day of state operation: June 24

Last day to receive first dose: June 10
M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore City

• last day of state operation: July 2

Last day to receive first dose: June 12
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis

These mass vaccination sites are remaining open:

• Montgomery College (Pfizer, Moderna), 20200 Observation Dr., Germantown

Walk-up clinics vary. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19/vaccine/Germantown.html for regular updates.

• Maryland State Fairgrounds (Pfizer), 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium

Walk-up clinics vary. Visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine for regular updates.

• Frederick County (Moderna), 800 Oak St., Frederick

Walk-up clinics vary. Visit marylandvax.org for regular updates.

• Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital (Pfizer), 1 W Pratt St., Baltimore; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, for Baltimore City residents only

*Note that walk-ups will not be offered at these sites on the days of large sporting events.

Related:

MD Paying $2M In Prizes To Select Vaccinated Residents