County Employees Must Show Proof of Vaccination or Undergo Regular Testing

Montgomery County employees must submit documentation showing they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 18 or be required to submit to regular coronavirus testing.

County Executive Marc Elrich made the announcement during a virtual media briefing Wednesday. He said those who are unvaccinated are the biggest obstacle to the path back to normalcy.

“The unvaccinated are making both vaccinated and unvaccinated people sick,” he said. Elrich hopes other organizations and public entities introduce similar requirements for employees. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) also mandates staff either submit vaccination proof or participate in weekly testing.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced effective Sept. 1, state employees working in congregate settings must show proof of vaccination or be required to follow strict face mask requirements and submit to regular testing. In late July, President Joe Biden had announced similar requirements for federal employees.

Elrich said he wants to see more businesses set vaccination and testing requirements for customers. Some live performance venues like The Fillmore in Silver Spring and Strathmore in North Bethesda have introduced requirements for attendees. Bars/restaurants like Hank Dietle’s Tavern in Rockville are taking similar actions.

“I continue to support efforts by performance venues, restaurants, and other establishments to require proof of vaccination or a recent negative covid test,” Elrich said in a community message Thursday.

About Maryam Shahzad

Maryam is a reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. Previously, she was an intern with MCM. She can be reached at mshahzad@mymcmedia.org or on Twitter @maryam_mcm.

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