Governor Hogan announced today the planned lifting of statewide restrictions or orders related to the COVID 19 pandemic on July 1. The state’s mask order – which requires face coverings indoors at schools, day care centers, medical settings and on mass transit – will expire on the same day. (A federal order requiring masks on planes, subways, buses and other mass transit remains in effect.)

“Thanks in large part to the hard work, the sacrifices, and the vigilance of the people of Maryland, we have finally reached the light at the end of that long tunnel,” said Governor Hogan. “Each and every one of you—your actions—have made this day possible. I am so proud of our state, and I’m grateful to have had this honor to serve as your governor. Thank you all for being Maryland Strong.”

The COVID-19 state of emergency will end in two phases:

EMERGENCY MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS END ON JULY 1

All emergency mandates and restrictions will be terminated as of July 1. There will no longer be any statewide mask order in effect for any settings, including schools, camps, and child care facilities.

45-DAY ADMINISTRATIVE GRACE PERIOD THROUGH AUGUST 15

Thursday, July 1 will mark the beginning of a 45-day grace period, where certain regulations will continue to be relaxed to complete the administrative transition out of the pandemic. This includes such provisions as renewing driver’s licenses, winding down emergency health operations, and the moratorium on evictions related to COVID-19.