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Maryland Department of Health launches social media campaign to encourage use of face coverings as summer social activity increases

Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the launch of a coordinated social media campaign encouraging Marylanders to continue to wear face coverings as the COVID-19 epidemic continues. The campaign begins as health officials anticipate increased summer activity and jurisdictions across Maryland continue to ramp up COVID-19 testing.

'Summer is here and we understand wanting to be out and about with family and friends, especially after staying at home for such a long time,' said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. 'We've made great progress, but we need to remember we're not out of the woods yet — all Marylanders must continue to exercise responsibility for themselves and each other by doing everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19.'

Collated by MDH and shared with local health departments, the social media campaign features an array of posts and graphics related to wearing face coverings, including reminders about where to wear them and instructions about how to wear them correctly. The campaign will continue throughout the course of the epidemic, using the hashtag #MasksOnMaryland.

To date, Maryland reports 65,777 total cases of COVID-19 and has tested 8.3 percent of its population, while contact tracing is fully operational throughout the state. Coupled with increased testing and contact tracing, sustained social distancing and wearing face coverings are essential to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

'To keep the curve flat and prevent a second wave of infections, we need everyone to do their part,' said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Fran Phillips. 'Practice social distancing and wear a face covering in public spaces. By doing so, you can help prevent the inadvertent infection of others.'

Learn more about COVID-19 developments in Maryland at coronavirus.maryland.gov.

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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.

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