Baltimore City Hall and all other city government buildings will reopen to the public on April 4, more than two years after City Hall was closed to the public in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Brandon Scott announced the changes Thursday, citing the city’s improving COVID-19 health metrics.
“Baltimore City has the lowest positivity rate and the lowest rate of community transmission in the entire State of Maryland; this is not an accident or a coincidence,” Scott said in a statement. “We have achieved great successes in our fight against this pandemic because of the measures and mandates we put in place and our residents’ commitment to overcoming COVID-19 in Baltimore City.
Scott lifted Baltimore City’s indoor mask mandate, effective March 1. However, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said at the time that she still encouraged people to wear masks to protect against COVID-19, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
Starting April 4, members of the public will be able to attend City Council meetings, Board of Estimates meetings, and other public meetings and hearings in person.
Baltimore City will continue to broadcast City Council and Board of Estimates meetings live on CharmTV.
Some public testimony will be limited to in-person only.
Comptroller Bill Henry said it is important to balance virtual and in-person access to government meetings.
“While it is important that we restore in person access to government meetings and officials, it is just as important that we not deprive people of the virtual access that they have come to expect,” Henry said in a statement.
Henry also acknowledged the city workers who have maintained city buildings and were unable to work remotely during the pandemic.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff members who have continued to come to work in City Hall and other city buildings throughout the pandemic, because so many City services could not be provided remotely,” he said. “They have kept our vital processes running smoothly and I’m very grateful for their dedication to public service.”
City Hall visitors will be required to wear masks during public meetings and submit to a health screening to enter the building. The city is also following COVID-19 protocols for increased cleaning schedules, officials said.
The Department of Finance’s Bureau of Revenue Collections at the Abel Wolman building, senior centers, recreation centers, and the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services’ Weinberg Housing and Resource Center are open for in-person services. Some walk-in services at those sites may still be restricted.
Residents can check the status of specific city services here.
“I am proud of our progress, but we are not finished yet; we must remain vigilant as the world continues to battle this virus,” Scott said. “I am excited to welcome residents and visitors back into City Hall for the first time as Mayor of our great city.”
