As the COVID-19 pandemic prepares to eclipse the 2-year mark and our region continues to grapple with the surging Omicron variant, it is helpful to be reminded of the current jurisdictional mandates that affect the retail automotive business. Requirements pertaining to masking, patronage, occupancy limitations and more have been in constant flux and often vary between states, counties and even different municipalities. As of the date of this Bulletin, the following counties in Maryland have some form of mask mandate for indoor public spaces (which includes car dealerships):
- Anne Arundel County – source
- Baltimore City – source
- Baltimore County – source
- Howard County – source
- Montgomery County – source
- Prince George’s County – source
Though there are no franchised automobile dealers in Washington, the District also has an indoor mask mandate. Currently there are no Virginia jurisdictions in the DC Metro region that have masking requirements for retailers, though the Virginia Department of Health does have recommendations for businesses that can be found here.
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