November 17, 2020

Media Contact:

Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536

Charlie Gischlar, Deputy Director, Media Relations, 443-463-7234 

More jurisdictions partner with Maryland Department of Health, join growing list of those distributing free masks statewide through #MasksOnMaryland campaign

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced today that it is partnering with officials in Allegany, Dorchester, and Montgomery counties to launch a new round of #MasksOnMaryland mask distribution events. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, each of the jurisdictions will host an event to encourage the use of face coverings in public places by providing free face masks to residents.

“Wearing a mask is an easy way to join the fight and help protect those around you,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “I urge all Marylanders to please do the right thing by taking this simple, effective step.”

This Wednesday’s mask distribution events are as diverse as the counties hosting them, with local jurisdictions continuing to find creative ways to meet the unique needs of their communities’ residents.  

The Allegany County Health Department will use the new Allegany County Fairgrounds drive-thru COVID-19 testing site as a distribution point for masks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Staff from the Dorchester County Health Department plan to provide masks to attendees at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic at their offices from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Dorchester County Health Department plans to host another, similar event on Nov. 23.

In Montgomery County, drive-thru mask distribution events will be held at community centers across the City of Rockville between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. This is the second mask event that MDH and Rockville have sponsored in as many weeks. 

The state has had an executive order in place since July 31 requiring all Marylanders over the age of five to wear face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state. Face coverings are also required in outdoor public areas whenever it is not possible to maintain physical distancing. Governor Hogan recently reminded Marylanders that the state’s mask order carries the full force of the law.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear face coverings in public and follow other preventive measures, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, and cleaning high-touch areas to reduce the spread of COVID-19.