Indoor Mask Requirement Lifted In Montgomery County Tuesday

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The latest masking mandate in Montgomery County was lifted Feb. 22, the County Council announced. People are no longer required by the government to wear masks indoors, but individual business can keep masking requirements in place.

"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," said Council President Gabe Albornoz in a news release. "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."

Ninety-five percent of Montgomery County residents have gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 85 percent have gotten two doses, according to county data.

"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," said Elrich in a news release. "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.”

This county mandate went into effect Jan. 25 and ended Tuesday automatically, with no motion required from the council, the news release says.

Masks are still required in Montgomery County Public Schools, though officials said last week they will review with local health authorities to determine if any changes will be made.