Governor Hogan Announces Expanded Statewide Mask Order, Out-of-State Travel Advisory

At yesterday’s press conference, Governor Hogan announced that beginning July 31 at 5:00 pm, all Marylanders over the age of five are required to wear face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state.

Face coverings will also be required in outdoor public areas whenever it is not possible to maintain physical distancing. The expanded order continues to provide certain exceptions, including for medical conditions. Read the Governor’s executive order here.

Governor Hogan has directed the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to issue a public health advisory for out-of-state travel. Under this advisory, Marylanders are strongly advised against traveling to states with positivity rates of 10% or higher. Anyone traveling from these states should get tested and self-quarantine while awaiting results.

This public health advisory—which takes effect immediately—applies to personal, family, or business travel of any kind. Marylanders are advised to postpone or cancel travel to these areas until their positivity rates decline.

As of today, this advisory applies to Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, Nebraska, and Idaho. Read the travel advisory.

Governor Hogan shared findings on virus spread from interviews with COVID-19 patients:

Higher-Risk Gatherings (Percentage of Interviewed Cases):
Family Gatherings – 44%
House Parties – 23%
Outdoor Event – 21%

Higher-Risk Locations (Percentage of Interviewed Cases):
Work Outside the Home – 54%
Indoor/Retail Shopping – 39%
Indoor Dining at Restaurant – 23%
Outdoor Dining at Restaurant – 23%

Employment Information (Percentage of Interviewed Cases):
Health care – 25%
Other – Non-public Facing – 23%
Other – Public Facing – 13%