Maryland Department of Health Maryland Department of Health to host free COVID-19 testing and #MasksOnMaryland face mask distribution at Ocean City Convention Center this weekend

For immediate release:

September 3, 2020

Media contacts:

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

Charles Gischlar, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-6491

Maryland Department of Health to host free COVID-19 testing and #MasksOnMaryland face mask distribution at Ocean City Convention Center this weekend

Testing to occur on Friday and Saturday. Free face masks available on Saturday.

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) will provide COVID-19 testing at the Ocean City Convention Center on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. both days. On Saturday, MDH will distribute free reusable face masks at the testing site to encourage both mask wearing and testing.

“By wearing a mask in public and getting a COVID-19 test if symptomatic or exposed to someone who tested positive, you are helping to keep Marylanders safe,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “As we move into Stage 3 of our reopening, your commitment to safety will be more important than ever, so please continue to wear your masks, wash your hands and maintain social distance.”

Patients in need of a COVID-19 test are encouraged to schedule their own appointments by calling 410-632-1100 and pressing 8. Tests at the Ocean City Convention Center will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to patients, and a doctor’s order is not required.

The testing site will be located in the parking lot at the corner of Convention Center Drive and Coastal Hwy. This is a drive-thru testing site, and patients will enter the site via Convention Center Drive. Photo identification is required to get a test.

Saturday’s mask distribution event is part of the MDH #MasksOnMaryland campaign to encourage all Marylanders to wear face coverings in public places to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Maryland Department of Health is operating the Ocean City Convention Center testing site with the support of the Worcester County Health Department and the Ocean City Police Department.

This summer, MDH has partnered with local health departments and partners across the state to distribute free masks at COVID-19 testing sites and other community centers. On July 29, MDH distributed more than 3,000 masks at the first #MasksOnMaryland campaign event at the Baltimore Convention Center testing site. Several other successful events have followed, and jurisdictions across the state are encouraged to host their own events over the next several weeks to promote the use of face masks.

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 surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For a comprehensive list of testing sites in Maryland, visit COVIDtest.maryland.gov. COVID-19 information and resources are available at https://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.