State, Prince George’s County Order Face Coverings for Shopping, Public Transit

Dr. Sacared Bodison, interim director of the University Health Center, sent the following email yesterday to the campus community:

As we continue to brave the global COVID-19 pandemic together, I hope you and your families are staying safe and well. I write today regarding recent executive orders issued by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our state and county.

A Prince George’s County executive order in effect as of today, April 15, requires all patrons shopping in county grocery stores, pharmacies and large chain retail establishments to wear masks or face coverings to enter. The order also requires individuals who ride “The Bus,” Prince George’s County’s bus transit system, to also wear masks or face coverings onboard. In addition, Gov. Hogan has issued a statewide executive order requiring the use of masks or face coverings by customers and staff inside all retail establishments, and when riding on any form of public transportation, which will go into effect on Saturday, April 18 at 7 a.m.

To further support these orders, the university is asking that the relatively small number of individuals who must continue to work or live on the University of Maryland campus wear masks or face coverings when there is the likelihood of encountering others. This includes visits to the dining halls and working on sites with coworkers. Social distancing should continue to be practiced in all environments. We must all do our part to stop the spread.

The CDC has issued guidance on cloth face coverings, including how to properly wear a face covering, washing and sterilizing guidance, and instructions for creating homemade face coverings.

While these specific executive orders only apply to Maryland and Prince George’s County, many counties across the country have issued similar orders. I urge you to follow guidance from your county and state public health officials on any face covering requirements. Also, please continue to check umd.edu/virusinfo for the latest resources and updates from the university.

In Health,

Sacared Bodison, MD
Interim Director, University Health Center