Outdoor Mask Requirements Lifted In Howard County Effective May 1

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — In accordance with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's order, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has lifted outdoor masking requirements and removed outdoor dining restrictions effective May 1. There also will be a partial lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on spectators for activities held at Howard County indoor athletic facilities effective Friday at 5 p.m.

Under the new guidance for indoor athletic facilities, up to two parents, guardians or family members per player will be allowed to watch games or practices held within indoor facilities. Previously, spectators were only allowed at outdoor sports events and limited to two family members.

“Youth sports can play an important role in the lives of children, including supporting their social, emotional and physical development," Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer, said at a news conference. "This is especially important considering the isolation that many young people are feeling while spending less time in school or around friends and family. However, these activities are not without risk of COVID-19 exposure to participants and spectators and precautions should still be taken, including wearing a mask when indoors, maintaining physical distance, staying home if feeling sick and getting vaccinated if eligible."

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said the decision to ease some restrictions were made based upon progress made in the county in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. To date, 55 percent of Howard County residents have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 38.2 percent are fully vaccinated and the county’s 7-day average positivity rate is below three percent.

“Athletics are important to so many Howard County families. We recognize that youth sports keep kids and families thriving and well. We know we all want to get back to where we were before the pandemic and it is going to take all of us working together to get vaccines into arms to get there," Ball said.

Indoor athletic facilities owned and operated by Howard County Recreation & Parks include the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex in Ellicott City and the county’s three community centers - the Roger Carter Community Center, the Gary J. Arthur Community Center and the North Laurel Community Center. Recreation & Parks also offers athletic programs held at public elementary and middle schools throughout Howard County.