Spike in COVID-19 Delta Variant Transmission Has Led to Concern
Face coverings will be mandatory for all visitors to Rockville facilities, starting immediately, as the city continues its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The requirement applies to all staff and visitors aged 2 and older, whatever their vaccination status.
Rockville City Manager Rob DiSpirito announced the policy “out of an abundance of caution for health, safety and better peace of mind for all.”
City staff and the Mayor and Council continue to review city protocols as health guidance and conditions evolve daily, and will adjust requirements for city facilities accordingly.
Rockville’s boards and commissions will continue to meet remotely, as will the Mayor and Council. No date has been set for the reopening of City Hall. Many city facilities, such as community centers, the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, the senior center and Civic Center Park, are open. Check the city’s website for hours and availability. Face covering requirements will be in place at those facilities.
Concerns have been growing communitywide about the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19, a highly contagious form of the virus. At 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, the Montgomery County Council is scheduled to introduce, hold a virtual public hearing and vote on regulations that would be consistent with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and would require face coverings in public indoor areas if and when the county reaches “substantial” COVID-19 transmission.
Delta cases have begun appearing in Montgomery County, slightly increasing the infection rate, according to the county’s latest information on COVID-19.
“Despite the high rate of vaccination in Montgomery County, there are still many adults and adolescents who have not been vaccinated,” the county states. “In addition, children under the age of 12 are too young to be vaccinated. This can create a risk for a new rise in infections, particularly with the new variants, including the Delta variant.”
The variant currently accounts for more than one in every five COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the county states.
Vaccination is still the best protection against all forms of the COVID-19 virus. Information about testing and vaccinations can be found on Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Information portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19.
To learn more about how to get a vaccination, go to www.GoVaxMoco.com.