Starting next week, employees and visitors in state buildings in Maryland will no longer have to wear face masks as COVID-19 rates continue to drop, Maryland Gov. For most of the pandemic, people in Hong Kong have been required to wear masks in indoor and outdoor public areas. Nominees work for the natural gas industry drew complaints from environmentalists and key lawmakers. The governors other executive order will authorize steps to beef up the emergency medical services workforce, allowing those who are licensed outside of Maryland to work here and expediting the licensing process in the state. Please enter valid email address to continue. Hogan said he also received monoclonal antibody treatment during his illness, which he believes prevented his condition from worsening. "I don't see the public accepting a mandate. Thats just the way he is. Moores controversial nominee for the Public Service Commission withdraws, Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy, Virginia state superintendent Jillian Balow announces resignation, Predicted peak bloom date for DC's cherry blossoms announced, Maryland Matters free email subscription. This includes vans and buses operated by both public and private school systems, as well as early care and child care programs. As patient volumes surge at Maryland hospitals amid soaring COVID-19 infections statewide, Gov. He stressed that local school boards have the authority to make their own decisions. February 10, 2022 / 11:20 PM / CBS Baltimore BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Gov. WebUPDATE 6/21/2022: Beginning Jun. Asian markets gain as Hong Kong lifts mask mandate, One of the world's last cities with a mask mandate plans to drop it, Hong Kong lifts mandatory masking from March 1. BALTIMORE (WBFF) Masking policies are changing across Maryland as the latest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic wanes. In a statement earlier this week, Rakowski said the board will continue its practice of reviewing current COVID-19 metrics to assess the need for continuing the regulation. Shwe also wrote for The Daily Princetonian, and tutored with the Petey Greene Program, which offers free tutoring to incarcerated people. Some people were hospitalized who were partially vaccinated, he said, which makes getting booster doses all the more important. First published on May 11, 2022 / 4:22 PM. In order to give people a very clear message that Hong Kong is resuming normalcy, I think this is the right time to make the decision, he said. Hong Kong has lifted its mask mandate, marking an end to one of the world's longest-running Covid restrictions. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. Advocates call for expanding social safety net, Md. Violators could be fined 5,000 Hong Kong The omicron variant of the coronavirus is highly contagious, but generally causes less severe COVID-19 illnesses than other variants, data shows, especially among people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Local health officials in Maryland are strongly urging mask usage in indoor public places as COVID-19 cases are on the upswing. Violators could be fined 5,000 Hong Kong dollars ($637). The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals in the county is now less than 100, the first time its been that low since Dec. 19, 2021. Through consistent prevention and timely, and time-limited, responses to surges, we can continue to protect our residents from COVID while keeping our schools, businesses, and hospitals open and healthy, Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman said in a news release. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Larry Hogan implemented Tuesday a temporary state of emergency and other executive orders designed to fight the current COVID surge. Maryland Gov. (Kenneth K. Lam). Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Most of these curbs were rolled back at the end of last year. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health said it will continue to recommend masking and encourage vaccination and testing, while we advance treatment efforts, namely the newly available oral medications for COVID.. In December, the State Board of Education approved a new emergency regulation that created off-ramps to the mask mandate that had been in place since the beginning of the school year. However, over the past few weeks, the numbers have been falling sharply. 5425 Wisconsin Ave The Associated Press contributed reporting. Maryland lifts its statewide mask mandate for schools, effective immediately. Previous to hiscurrent role,he covered federal government management and technology as the news editor at Nextgov.com, part of Government Executive Media Group. The Maryland State Board of Education decided Tuesday to lift its mandate around face coverings in schools. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed. Less than 10.38% of fully vaccinated Maryland residents later tested positive for COVID-19. In Allegany County is the only jurisdiction in Maryland that has "high" COVID-19 community levels, based on the guidance issued Friday. Effective Feb. 22, masking would Hopkins Beyrer said such steps should provide some relief to hospitals. The Japanese government has said it will ease mask-wearing guidelines on 13 March, recommending masks only on trains and buses during rush hour, or where public transportation is particularly congested. Looking for more information? Lee said he made the decision because the city did not see a rebound in infections and has built an immunity barrier. Gov. Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties in Maryland are lifting their mask mandates in the wake of improving COVID-19 metrics. Hogan lifted the statewide indoor mask mandate in May 2021, which required masks in all businesses, stores and restaurants. "Our hospitals need to be able to take care of people with heart attacks and strokes, she said. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Larry Hogan is asking the State Board of Education to toss out its school masking policy. Copyright February 10, 2022. Under the mandate, which began in July 2020 and lasted for 945 days, people could be fined up to HK$5,000 (530; $640). The citys chief executive, John Lee, said masks will no longer be required both outdoors and indoors, including on public transit, but some high-risk areas including hospitals and elderly homes can still require their use. Masks have never been mandatory in Japan, but most people have been wearing them. Hong Kong has lifted its mask mandate, marking an end to one of the world's longest-running Covid restrictions. Nonprofit. Moving forward, our approach will advise enhanced prevention efforts in communities with a high volume of severe illness and will also focus on protecting our health care systems from being overwhelmed, she tweeted. "I want to be very clear. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Moores controversial nominee for the Public Service Commission withdraws, Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy, Virginia state superintendent Jillian Balow announces resignation, Predicted peak bloom date for DC's cherry blossoms announced, Maryland Matters free email subscription. "I think it's probably wise," Ken Estes of Howard County said. In a letter to the board last week, Hogan said a growing number of medical professionals, parents and bipartisan state officials throughout the nation are calling for an end to school mask requirements, and that experts who previously advocated for mandated masking in schools now call for eliminating these temporary measures.. Some local entities, such as Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel counties, have reinstated indoor mask requirements within the past month. State WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, Sign up for WTOPs coronavirus email newsletter, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Latest COVID-19 vaccination numbers in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Zombie drug challenging response to Maryland opioid crisis, Lawmakers pledge action amid reports TikTok is fueling increase in stolen cars, Maryland Gov. Updated: 11:27 PM EST February 21, 2022. Anna Gawel | agawel@wtop.com. Elsewhere in Maryland, policymakers have already lifted restrictions. In a bid to woo foreign visitors, the Hong Kong government has announced plans to give away half a million air tickets - beginning on Wednesday. Tim Swift and Margaret Chadbourn 3/1/2022. The virus is under control in Hong Kong with no major signs of a rebound, the city's leader John Lee said. Several Maryland counties are lifting their indoor public mask mandates, as COVID-19 cases continue trending downward statewide. Hospitalizations are an "important barometer," Walensky said in a White House briefing last week. Illinois judge hears arguments in lawsuit claiming due process violations in enforcement of school mask mandate | Illinois | thecentersquare.com The CDC previously gauged the spread of the virus by new coronavirus cases and the COVID-19 positivity rate. Baltimore County plans to lift the indoor mask mandate requirement and end required COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated employees, effective Feb. 28. The governor, who recently recovered from COVID-19, said his case felt like a pretty bad cold., Thats because I was fully vaccinated and boosted, he said. Average Retirement Savings By Age: Are You Normal? This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) asked the State Board of Education on Thursday to rescind its mask requirements in public school buildings. Some criticised the rule's duration and its sudden scrapping - amid wider criticism of the city's pandemic policies for the past three years. Several Maryland counties are lifting their indoor public mask mandates, as COVID-19 cases continue trending downward statewide. The new mask guidance for state buildings and leased space in public or shared buildings goes into effect Feb. 22, according to a news release from Hogans office. By Elizabeth Shwe. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. (cont) On Monday, February 22, 2022, the Maryland State Board of Education voted 12-2 to end the mask mandate and place it in the hands of local jurisdictions. The virus is under control in Hong Kong with Lees announcement at a news briefing Tuesday came a day after neighboring Macao eased its mask rule and brings the financial hub closer to life in pre-pandemic days. Here are the latest mask orders from central Maryland: Anne Arundel County lifted its mask mandate in government buildings Feb. 22 and in other indoor spaces as of Feb. 1. "Certainly, cases are increasing and we don't want to see that. The Department of Justice is appealing the decision. As of Feb. 22, 2022, the state of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Montgomery County will no longer require masks in government buildings. House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore) said that she trusts the State Department of Education and local school systems to make decisions based on public health data to keep students and staff safe. Harford County votes to end mask mandate, effective March 1. Baltimore Sun reporters Meredith Cohn and Emily Opilo contributed to this article. Target ( TGT 1.01%) Q4 2022 Earnings Call. When asked at the press conference if he plans to issue an executive order making mask-wearing optional in public schools an action taken by Gov. Tim Swift and Margaret Chadbourn 3/1/2022. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Mandates work, Beyrer said, but they may be unpopular among the Republican governors supporters, as well as those he might court in the future. On Monday, the federal mask mandate for public transportation was overturned by a federal judge. But, it's also hospitalizations, which, comparatively, remain relatively low.". At least four states New Jersey, Oregon, Connecticut and Delaware plan to lift its statewide mask mandates for schools within the next month. The emergency regulation does provide research-based off-ramps for local school systems and schools based on vaccination and transmission rates.. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, watching with optimism as Covid-19 metrics improve in the State, lifted the statewide indoor mask mandate in May 2021, reintroduced a measure specifically for state buildings in early January, remains on track to lift its indoor mask mandate Feb. 21, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Latest vaccination numbers in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Zombie drug challenging response to Maryland opioid crisis, Lawmakers pledge action amid reports TikTok is fueling increase in stolen cars, Maryland Gov. (Baltimore Sun). During its March 8 business meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted to make masks optional in all MCPS schools and facilities. ELLICOTT CITY Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today signed an executive order requiring masks be worn indoors in all businesses and facilities open to the public, as well as public transportation, in Howard County. Many residents and business owners have said such tough rules damaged Hong Kong's economy and international standing. The information below reflects cases tested from January 26, 2021 - February 17, 2023. voted to approve the State Board of Educations emergency regulation last month. In South Korea, for instance, they are still required on public transportation, as well as in hospitals and pharmacies. Masks are still worn in several countries in Asia. Maryland Marylands mask mandate for state office buildings ended on Feb. 22. Regardless of the decision that the board of education makes, some parents say they will continue to send their kids to school with a mask. The same is the case for Baltimore County, excluding county buildings. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. Lawmakers in Montgomery County voted unanimously on Tuesday to extend the expiry date of its indoor mask mandate from Jan. 31 to Feb. 21. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore) highlighted that the General Assemblys Joint Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) Committee, which is tasked with reviewing state agency regulations, voted to approve the State Board of Educations emergency regulation last month. For most of the pandemic, people in Hong Kong have been required to wear a mask in indoor and outdoor public areas. This requirement should include booster shots, which are helping reduce transmission and severe illness, she said. "I'll probably be wearing my mask here and there, but I want to make sure that people have the choice and I still encourage people when they want to, they should wear their mask," says Ball. Based on the latest guidance from the federal health officials, the use of masks and face coverings will be optional for all persons in Baltimore City Public Schools campuses beginning Monday, March 14, 2022. The statewide mask mandate has "This framework moves beyond looking just at cases & test positivity to evaluate factors that reflect severity of disease, including hospitalizations & hospital capacity," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Friday. I want to thank all of our dedicated state employees for their tireless efforts that have helped make Marylands COVID-19 response a national model.. On social media, many residents expressed elation and relief that the day of unmasking had "finally" come. / CBS Baltimore. 20th, CDC Data Tracker vaccine tabs will refresh weekly on Thursdays by 8:00PM EST ( Vaccinations in the United States, Vaccinations That is down from the peak around Jan. 11, when the state had 3,400 coronavirus patients in its hospitals. The states 7-day positivity rate is 5.12% with 986 people 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Larry Hogan implemented a temporary state of emergency Tuesday as well as other executive orders designed to give the state government more powers and tools to combat the health crisis. "It is important to remember that people may choose to mask at any time. I think it was a thoughtful series of regulations that were put forward, and the General Assembly approved those [regulations] and I suspect they will remain in place until we see something else from the board, Ferguson said. He said we dont have the means to enforce a statewide mask mandate, and that people who choose not to wear masks wont change their minds under threat of a government requirement. Masking is the least restrictive intervention we can employ to slow down transmission before our hospitals are completely overwhelmed. Hogan also called on the federal government to increase its supplies of monoclonal antibody treatments, rapid tests and COVID-19 antiviral pills, all of which have been depleted during the latest wave of the virus. In Baltimore City, face coverings will be required inside until Tuesday, March 1. ', Death toll keeps rising in Greece's deadliest train crash, Hong Kong Lifts Citywide Mask Mandate After Almost Three Years. Baltimore County lifted its indoor mask mandate, optional in Howard County Public School System, Montgomery County lifted its mask mandate, CDC no longer requires masks on school buses, CDC is reviewing its guidance for transit, State Board Of Education Votes To Rescind Mask Mandate In School Buildings, MD Mask Mandate In State Government Buildings Ended Feb. 22, Mask Mandate To Be Lifted In Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore County To Lift Mask Order Starting Feb. 1, Face Masks No Longer Required In HCPSS Buildings Starting March 1, Indoor Mask Requirement Lifted In Montgomery County. When it goes right and were in the national media as one of the cities dealing with COVID the best, hell take the credit. Before Wednesday, people living in Hong Kong had to wear a mask in any public area. "I don't see the public accepting a mandate. 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