Restrictions on outdoor dining will also be lifted on May 1.

Governor Larry Hogan has lifted the outdoor mask mandate in Maryland. At a press conference on Wednesday, April 28, the governor said the infection rate among residents has improved enough to allow residents to go outside without wearing a mask. The governor also lifted restrictions on outdoor dining, allowing full capacity and the option for people to stand at bars that are located outdoors.

Maryland has experienced multiple days of declining case rates, reporting the lowest transmission rate in the country for the week of April 24. Masks will still have to be worn indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces like stadiums.

Governor Hogan credits the reduction of coronavirus cases to the state’s aggressive effort to get all residents over 16 years old vaccinated.

“As our vaccinations continue to expand and our health metrics continue to improve, we expect to be able to take additional actions in the weeks ahead and to return to a sense of normalcy,” said Governor Hogan. “However, I want to stress once again that the fastest way to put this pandemic behind us once and for all is for every single eligible Marylander to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

vaccination injectors

Courtesy Joe Andrucyk, Governor Larry Hogan's office

Several of the state's mass vaccination sites have opened no-appointment lines and beginning on Saturday, May 1, 2021, residents can book appointments directly from vaccination centers without having to pre-register. The state will also be contacting all residents who have pre-registered to book appointments beginning on April 30. If you have already received your vaccine, you can opt out of the state system by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

Per CDC guidelines, residents do not have to wear masks outdoors but are still encouraged to do so until they have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Everyone will still be required to wear a mask indoors, while riding public transportation or when entering ticketed outdoor venues.

How excited are you to unmask, even if it's just outdoors? Share in the comments.