On Friday, May 14th, Governor Larry Hogan made a statement stating he is lifting the outdoor mask restrictions. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) stated last week that all fully vaccinated Marylanders have the ability to choose whether they want to wear masks indoors or outdoors. However, businesses still have the right to enforce the mask wearing rule in their own establishments.

Gov. Hogan stressed how important it is for all Maryland citizens to get vaccinated so we can “put this pandemic behind us once and for all.” Hogan also informed us that businesses are still able to have their own mask policies, according to Southern Maryland News. 

Not everywhere in Maryland is lifting their mask restrictions like Gov. Hogan. Baltimore City’s Mayor, Brandon Scott, will not be following state guidelines and wants everyone to keep wearing face masks until further notice. According to WBALTV, Scott states, “In order for us to get to that 65% quicker, folks need to get vaccinated. So if you want that mask mandate to go away, get vaccinated.” 

Baltimore City Health Commissioner, Dr. Letitia Dzirasa will keep the face mask mandate “until 65% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine,” stated WBALTV. Many people have their worries about the flexibility of the new mandate. 

President Biden, on the other hand, is optimistic about the news. During a Rose Garden Ceremony he stated, “…whether you are inside or outside, I think it’s a great milestone. A great day.”