Are Masks Required in DC, Maryland and Virginia? Here Are Local Regulations

D.C., Maryland and Virginia have ended mandates to wear face coverings, bringing their mask guidance into line with the most recent recommendations from federal health authorities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that vaccinated people can forgo masks in most indoor and outdoor settings, where local laws permit.

“If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic,” CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said.

So what are the mask rules in D.C., Maryland and Virginia? Here’s what to know:

Maryland Mask and Face Covering Rules

Maryland has ended its statewide mask mandate, but businesses and localities can keep their own policies.

“Face coverings will still be required on public transportation, and in schools, child care and health care settings,” the state says.

The Maryland Department of Health issued a public health advisory strongly recommending that all non-vaccinated individuals over the age of 2 continue to wear face coverings in all indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Montgomery County Mask and Face Covering Rules

Montgomery County’s council voted on Tuesday to roll back mask requirements.

Masks are no longer required outdoors.

People who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear masks indoors, except in certain places such as schools, health care facilities and on public transit.

Unvaccinated people will still be required to wear masks in indoor, public spaces until May 28, when the current health order ends.

Prince George’s County Mask and Face Covering Rules

Prince George's County lifts its mask mandate for most settings Friday, May 28, at 5 p.m.

Face coverings will still be required on public transport and in schools, health care facilities and child care settings, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said.

Washington, D.C. Mask and Face Covering Rules

D.C. on Monday changed its mask guidance consistent with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced.

Residents who aren't fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing masks. People are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving their final shot.

Masks are still required on trains, buses, taxis and planes and in child care settings, schools,  correctional facilities, homeless shelters and transportation hubs like train stations and airports, Bowser said. Businesses and employers can still require people wear masks, so people should continue to carry masks with them.

Virginia Mask and Face Covering Rules

Virginia lifted its statewide mask mandate, but there are places where face coverings are still required.

Residents who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to wear masks indoors except on public transit, in health care and "in congregate settings," a release from Gov. Ralph Northam's office says.

Here are the specifics of the new mask guidance in Virginia:

• Anyone not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings, as recommended by the CDC.
• Employees in regulated business, retail, restaurants, fitness, personal care and entertainment are required to continue to wear masks until fully vaccinated.
• Businesses may require masks, if they wish, for employees and patrons.
• Masks continue to be required in K-12 school settings, regardless of vaccination status.