If you are out picking up necessities or using public transportation you will now be required to wear a face covering in Montgomery County and in Maryland.
To help curb the spread of COVID-19, all Montgomery County shoppers are now required to wear face coverings while shopping at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and other stores. The Chief Medical Officer’s health order also requires that retailers enhance social distancing by taking actions that limit the number of customers in a store, establish one-way shopping, and ensure that lines outside a store promote physical distancing spaces for customers while waiting.
Cloth masks are an acceptable alternative for face coverings, and can be a homemade cloth mask, a scarf or a bandana. The CDC’s website has instructions for making a mask — you don’t need to know how to sew or have a sewing machine to make a face covering that protects you and others. Please note, masks are not advised for children under two years of age, or for people who have difficulty breathing.
Passengers on Montgomery County Ride On buses will also be required to wear face coverings to board the bus, a measure the County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) took effect yesterday Thursday, April 16. MCDOT previously encouraged riders to wear face coverings, but that will now become mandatory. Customers who do not comply will be advised of the requirement to wear a face covering and may be directed not to board the vehicle or to exit the vehicle.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan stated his support for these safety measures. He expanded his executive order of safety measures to address the COVID-19 health crisis to include the required wearing of face coverings for users of public transportation and those entering retail stores. His order on those measure becomes effective at tomorrow, Saturday, April 18 at 7am. MCDOT, however, is making the face covering requirement effective April 16.
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