For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Rockville, Md., May 27, 2021—On Friday, May 28 at 6 a.m. Montgomery County will move to its final phase of reopening which eliminates all County COVID-19-related capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements for indoor and outdoor activities and businesses and requires County businesses and residents to follow any orders or directives from the State of Maryland.
On May 14, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles certified that 50 percent of Montgomery County residents received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. This was a major milestone because it started the 14-day countdown for these residents to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The County’s Board of Health regulation, based on public health guidance, moves the County into the final phase of reopening on May 28 when 50 percent of the County’s population becomes fully vaccinated.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently shows that more than 56 percent of the County’s total population is now fully vaccinated, and the County’s Department of Health and Human Services reports that nearly 62 percent of residents have received at least one vaccination.
“We are grateful to all our residents who have stepped up to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community,” said Council President Tom Hucker. “We are thrilled to be able to restore a sense of normalcy for our business owners and residents who have made tremendous sacrifices for more than 14 months to protect public health. We will continue to support you during this recovery period and want to encourage everyone who hasn't been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. We are excited to move to the final phase of reopening tomorrow; but there is still more work to do to keep our community healthy.”
“We are almost back to normal, but still too early to declare “Mission Accomplished,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “After every holiday during this pandemic we have seen an uptick in cases, and this is the first holiday since the vast increase in vaccinations occurred over the past month. I hope that everyone has a safe weekend and uses common sense based on their own comfort level as they enjoy weekend activities.
“As it is Memorial Day weekend, we encourage everyone to also take a moment to appreciate the military service of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for this country as well as remember the victims of COVID-19 and continue to support their families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.”
“Friday will mark a historic moment for Montgomery County residents, as half of our population will be fully vaccinated,” said Council Vice President and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee Gabe Albornoz. “This significant accomplishment could not have been possible without the guidance from our public health officials, the dedication of our frontline healthcare workers and the resilience of our County residents. As our County reopens to full capacity, we should not take for granted what we have accomplished so far. Let’s continue this wave of progress by following the ever-evolving public health guidance and encouraging those who are eligible to receive a vaccination.”
In line with public health guidance from the CDC and the State of Maryland, there will no longer be a mandatory masking requirement for most activities; however, face coverings are still required on public transportation, in schools and in health care settings. Face coverings are also required indoors for youth camps and in child care facilities. In addition, face coverings are still required in County buildings.
The Maryland Department of Health and Montgomery County encourages all individuals who are older than two years of age and not fully vaccinated to continue to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Businesses and workplaces can implement their own policies requiring that face coverings must be worn on their premises. This is no different than the ability to set a dress code for customers and staff. All residents should respect individuals who choose to continue wearing face coverings and all business owners who require customers to wear masks.
All current COVID-19-related requirements can be found in the Maryland Department of Health’s Amended Directive and Order dated May 14, 2021 which can be viewed here.
Residents who are not yet vaccinated should do so as soon as possible. Free and convenient vaccination appointments and walk-in opportunities are available at multiple locations across the County. Make your appointment or learn more at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/ or call 240-777-2982.
Release ID: 21-234