Amid Encouraging Progress in COVID-19 Metrics, Baltimore County State of Emergency and Countywide Indoor Mask Requirement to Expire

January 31, 2022

Amid consistently decreasing COVID-19 metrics, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced that Baltimore County’s indoor mask requirement will be lifted effective, tomorrow, February 1, 2022 and Baltimore County’s State of Emergency will be lifted, effective February 7, 2022.

"We are strongly encouraged by the progress we’ve seen in recent days and remain cautiously optimistic that we will continue to emerge from this omicron wave,” Olszewski said. “We know that the best way to continue our progress is for every resident to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community by getting vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible. Moving forward, we will continue to closely monitor key metrics and remain prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to protect public health.”

In response to rapid increases in COVID-19 cases amid the extremely contagious omicron variant, Olszewski had announced a state of emergency and indoor public health order on December 27, 2021.

In recent weeks, Baltimore County has seen consistent and encouraging decreases in major COVID metrics:

  • Since January 3, 2022, Baltimore County’s positivity rate has decreased by nearly 80 percent.
  • Since January 8, 2022, Baltimore County’s average 7-day case rate has decreased by over 85 percent
  • Since January 11, 2022, the average number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Baltimore County has decreased by nearly 50 percent.

County employees and the general public will continue to be required to wear masks inside all County offices and facilities.

All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by contacting your local urgent care, pharmacy, or your primary care provider.

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