Updated guidance on outdoor mask requirements

April 30, 2021

Dear Johns Hopkins Community,  

In light of updated guidance from Baltimore City, the State of Maryland, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, effective immediately, Johns Hopkins University campuses will no longer require face masks in most outdoor spaces when 6 feet of distance can be maintained. In alignment with City guidance, we will continue to require masking indoors, on JHU transportation, and in some outdoor settings where individuals are gathered such as athletic events, performances, and the May 27 undergraduate commencement ceremony at Homewood Field.   

While this guidance applies regardless of vaccination status, unvaccinated people and those who are not yet fully vaccinated are still strongly encouraged to wear a face covering when outdoors and to remain 6 feet apart to reduce the chances of disease transmission. Our campus guidelines for distancing and gathering limits remain in place for all members of the JHU community: Gatherings are limited to 10 people inside and 25 people outside. 

As you know, broad community vaccination against COVID-19 is a key component of our plans to return to more normal university operations this fall. As previously announced, we will require all students coming or returning to our campuses this fall—and who do not require health or religious exemptions—to be vaccinated. We strongly urge, and may soon require, all faculty and staff to be vaccinated.   

All JHU affiliates are encouraged to seek vaccinations through a variety of venues including health departments, retail pharmacies, and mass vaccination sites. To find a vaccine clinic in Maryland, visit the state’s vaccine locator website. Johns Hopkins affiliates in Maryland and Washington, D.C., now have the opportunity to schedule vaccination appointments through Johns Hopkins Medicine via MyChart. If you have any questions about the process, or need assistance scheduling an appointment, please contact the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 443-287-8500 and select option 4. If you need information about how to set up your MyChart account, call the MyChart help desk at 888-676-3433.    

We are encouraged by continued downward trends in cases of COVID-19 nationally, regionally, and locally. We remind you that we are still in the midst of an active global pandemic, and all of us must do our part to bring it to its end. Please continue to adhere to the core elements of the Social Compact by wearing masks when indicated, maintaining six feet of distance, washing hands frequently, and reporting any suspected symptoms to the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 443-287-8500.  

Thank you for your continued cooperation and commitment to the health and safety of our community.       

Sincerely, 

Stephen Gange  
Professor and Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs  

Jon Links  
Professor, Vice Provost, and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer  

Jane Schlegel 
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer