Maryland has expanded its mask use rules as the number of coronavirus cases in the state increases.
On Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan issued orders requiring anyone over the age of 5 to cover their face in all interior public areas of businesses and buildings.
That includes churches, offices, and restaurants. Masks will also be required in outdoor spaces when it is not possible to maintain social distance.
The order takes effect on Friday at 5 pm
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At a press conference, Hogan said the new rules are “factual, apolitical, and solidly grounded in science,” according to The Baltimore Sun.
“While it can be inconvenient, especially in the heat, wearing a mask is the best mitigation strategy we have to combat the virus,” added Hogan.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan talks about the state’s response to the coronavirus during a press conference in March in Annapolis, Maryland. (AP Photo / Brian Witte)
As of Wednesday, Maryland had 86,285 coronavirus cases. According to the state’s website, that’s an increase of 761 cases in a 24-hour period.
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Hogan also urged residents to avoid visiting some states with cases of rapidly increasing coronavirus infections.
The travel advisory applies to states with positive test rates or greater than 10 percent. Those states include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas, The Sun reported.
Hogan said that if people are to visit those states, they should be tested immediately upon returning to Maryland and quarantined until the results are known.
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
