Masks Required In Venues Open To The Public Starting Sunday In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Starting Sunday at 5 p.m., Howard County residents must wear face masks indoors in all businesses and facilities open to the public, as well as on public transportation. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball on Friday signed the executive order as a precautionary measure.

“With the rapidly multiplying number of COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron and Delta variants, positivity rates in double digits and increases in hospitalization, this is a necessary step to further protect our residents,” Ball said. “Being vaccinated, getting a booster and wearing a mask are the three best ways to protect yourself and those around you.”

Maryland’s testing positivity rate has climbed to 12.8 percent and statewide hospitalizations have surpassed 1,500.

"Masks are a simple and effective tool we can all use to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community as we continue to observe an increase in cases across Howard County," added Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman. "The contagious nature of the Omicron variant has increased the need for everyone to practice basic prevention techniques, like getting vaccinated including a booster, wearing a mask and staying home if feeling ill.”

Keeping residents healthy is important to the county's economic health, too, leaders say.

“We have been looking at the data and while businesses and employment have been making progress, we have not fully recovered,” Lawrence F. Twele, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, said. “Taking steps to get through this latest spike is critical so our local economy can maintain momentum.”

While Howard County has been a state leader with nearly 87 percent of its residents fully vaccinated and 95 percent receiving at least one dose, recent studies indicate antibodies diminish significantly after six months, increasing risk for COVID-19 and making boosters necessary.

Only 74 percent of Howard County residents ages 65+ have gotten a booster, Ball shared Friday.

"Those who are 65 or older should get a booster immediately to increase protection from COVID-19 and particularly the Omicron variant. Currently, 52 percent of all eligible residents have received a booster," Ball said.