Ocean City requires face masks on boardwalk, events to curb COVID-19

OCEAN CITY, Md. — Guests visiting the Ocean City Boardwalk will be required to wear masks beginning Friday at 5 p.m. 

The declaration issued by the town of Ocean City is meant to build on a requirement from Gov. Larry Hogan that people must wear a mask in an outdoor public area if social distancing isn't possible. 

The declaration requires anyone older than 5 years old to wear a mask while on the Boardwalk between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 a.m., according to a draft of the declaration read aloud by Mayor Rick Meehan. The declaration is set to expire Aug. 31 if Meehan chooses not to extend.

Those who violate the declaration can be charged with a misdemeanor under Hogan's order, but Ocean City leaders asked the Ocean City Police Department Friday to take an educational approach to gain compliance from the public.

The declaration also specifies that masks will be required at any "Ocean City special event," Meehan said, regardless of whether the event is indoor or outdoors.

"The governor's order says face masks are required in all outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible," Meehan said. "One of the challenges we face and have faced is on the Ocean City Boardwalk."

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While there are opportunities to social distance on the Boardwalk, Meehan said, as crowds continue to build over the summer, those opportunities might become less frequent. 

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In addition to the declaration, Meehan asked the council to consider an emergency ordinance that would change the penalty for the mask violation. Under Hogan's order a violation could result in a person being charged with a misdemeanor.

Meehan asked the council to consider a town ordinance that would lessen the penalty to a municipal infraction, payable by a fine starting at $25.

After a lengthy discussion lasting more than two hours, the council didn't agree. Despite motions from Councilman Dennis Dare, the emergency ordinance failed to pass twice. 

Multiple council members argued during the meeting that the goal of the mask requirement shouldn't be enforcement and writing tickets, but gaining compliance from the public through education. 

If an individual doesn't comply with the requirement after OCPD tries to educate them about the rule, multiple council members argued a misdemeanor should be a tool for an officer to consider.

The declaration, which hadn't been signed before the meeting, also didn't include a time element.

After a lengthy debate and input from multiple council members, Meehan compromised and added the 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. element so the requirement didn't punish those who choose to exercise on the Boardwalk during the early hours of the morning when crowd sizes are small.

"I think (the declaration) is proactive," Meehan said. "I think it's something many (members of the council) have talked about. I think we're trying to make sure we have everything to continue to move forward, but at the same time protect our residents and our visitors."

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