Mask Mandate Could Be Lifted Following 7 Days Of Moderate Spread

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The spread of coronavirus in Montgomery County fell from substantial levels to moderate levels on Thursday, signaling the possibility of an end to the indoor mask mandate sometime soon.

If the county remains in moderate transmission or lower for seven consecutive days, the mandate will be lifted. If it once again rises to substantial, the countdown will restart. In the event the mandate is lifted, businesses will still be permitted to require masks if they wish.

“I appreciate the fact that Montgomery County residents understand that decisions we make are based on the best available science and data,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I personally will continue to wear a mask indoors and in crowded outdoor settings because, along with being fully vaccinated, it is the best way of reducing the risk of the transmission of COVID-19."

The County Council voted to reinstate the mask mandate in August when cases were increasing and Montgomery County was classified as having substantial levels of transmission. Substantial transmission is defined as 50 to 99 cases per 100,000 people per week, according to the CDC.

Montgomery County's case numbers per 100,000 people over the past seven days have been:

• Oct. 21 - 49.78
• Oct. 22 - 47.11
• Oct. 23 - 48.16
• Oct. 24 - 47.68
• Oct. 25 - 45.68

“As levels of community transmission of COVID-19 decrease, it is important to remember that we are coming up on flu and cold season, as well as winter months where we are indoors more, and everyone who is unvaccinated should continue wear a mask when around others is a good, basic public health practice that has been seen in other parts of the world for decades,” said James Bridgers, the acting County health officer.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said levels fell from moderate to substantial. This was an error. It has been corrected to say it fell from substantial to moderate.

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