BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, May 12, 2021) — This afternoon, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa announced that Baltimore City will ease its COVID-19 mandates following consultation with public health partners, increased vaccination rates and downward trends in new case rates, deaths, and hospitalizations. Restriction modifications will take effect at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021.

“I commend everyone for doing their part to get us closer to the other side of this pandemic,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “With restrictions eased and summer approaching, we must continue to take COVID-19 seriously. Wear your masks when indoors, avoid large gatherings and contact with unvaccinated persons, and get vaccinated. Let’s do all we can to continue to move forward and keep our loved ones and neighbors safe and healthy.” 

Alignment with the State will take effect at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021. The current State guidance removes capacity restrictions, with the exception of the following three categories which are limited to 50% maximum occupancy:

• Convention and Banquet Facilities (defined as convention facilities, conference facilities, banquet and catering facilities, community halls, and Social Clubs, including without limitation, hotel ballrooms).
• Indoor Venues (defined as any indoor venue in Maryland at which live performances occur, motion pictures are shown, or sporting events occur (including, without limitation, major league, professional, minor league, semi-professional, amateur, recreational, motor sports, and collegiate sporting events); and 
• Outdoor Venues (defined as any outdoor venue in Maryland at which (i) live performances occur, motion pictures are shown, or sporting events occur (including, without limitation, major league, professional, minor league, semi- professional, amateur, recreational, motor sports, and collegiate sporting events), and (ii) entry is limited to ticketed customers; provided, however, that the term “Outdoor Venue” does not include golf courses and driving ranges, outdoor archery and shooting ranges, marinas and watercraft rental businesses, campgrounds, horse boarding and riding facilities, drive-in movie theaters, outdoor swimming pools, outdoor day camps, amusement parks, tour boats, miniature golf establishments, and go-kart tracks.

Along with the Mayor’s Executive Order, Health Commissioner Dr. Dzirasa has also signed a Health Order rescinding all prior local orders issued in Baltimore. Both the Executive and Health Orders confirm that the City will be aligned with the guidance set forth by the Governor and the Secretary of Health. Baltimore City continues to reserve the right to issue additional orders if necessary. 

“The recent decrease in new COVID-19 cases and positivity corresponds to increasing vaccination rates amongst Baltimore City residents,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa. “In order to continue this trend, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and to encourage family and friends to do the same.”

The Mayor’s Executive Order and Health Department's Health Order will both be available online by the end of the week.