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I appreciate you taking the time to read the following information about how you and your company can help slow the spread of COVID-19. When the pandemic first hit Maryland in March, many businesses and professionals we license and support saw their businesses slow down or even forced to close. We all share the goal of avoiding the experiences we endured at the beginning of the pandemic, and it is up to us to slow the spread.
Please follow the protocol and guidelines set forth by the CDC and highlighted in this newsletter. I am looking forward to seeing the end of this pandemic in 2021 and to helping you and your business grow and prosper; all while keeping you, your team and your customers, safe and healthy.
My best,
 Gregory J. Morgan
Commissioner
Occupational and Professional Licensing
On November 23, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference to address the alarming surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in our state. A number of safety measures have been amended and restated by Executive Order 20-11-17-01, and several new initiatives have been set up to educate the public and enforce all applicable laws and public health orders to date.
Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (O&P) is doing our part to help keep our licensees safe. We also want to make sure that our licensees’ businesses are adhering to all updated COVID-19 prevention requirements announced by the governor. With the holidays now underway, we ask that you renew your commitment to safety and stick to proven practices that stop the spread of the virus:
- As stated in the governor’s now-famous catchphrase, “wear the damn mask.” Nothing prevents airborne transmission better than covering your mouth and nose around other people.
- Call 833-979-226 or e-mail prevent.covid@maryland.gov to report unsafe facilities or activities in violation of laws or public health orders. The 24/7 phone line and e-mail address are operated by the Maryland State Police. More information about the governor’s newest education and enforcement initiatives can be found on his administration’s website.
- Stay at least six feet apart from others, and encourage social distancing in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Wash your hands and sanitize contact surfaces frequently.
- If you are unable to work remotely or if the nature of your job takes you onsite to customers’ homes or businesses, make sure to adhere to all COVID-19 safety guidelines while you are in those workspaces.
- If you work in personal services establishments like salons or barbershops, pay particular attention to the enhanced sanitation guidelines and safety precautions required by the nature of public contact. As of yesterday’s Executive Order, those establishments must now operate at Stage 2 protocols again. See the order for more information. See our website for an informational video about best practices.
- Keep up-to-date with the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 preparation and protection guidelines; and for global public health advice, see the World Health Organization COVID-19 advice for the public.
- For state health resources and information, see the Maryland Department of Health's website. Visit the governor’s website for his administration’s evolving response to the pandemic.
O&P wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season, and we hope you have a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead. Stay safe!
Contact Us
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing’s offices are open and serving our customers through our online licensing resources, and via e-mail and telephone. To protect the health and safety of our customers and employees, walk-in assistance is not yet available. Please contact the board or commission about your particular license using the links provided on the Labor website.
Para comunicarse con un representante de servicio al cliente de habla hispana, llame al 443-478-6658.
It is important to note that all license expiration dates have been temporarily extended per an Executive Order from Governor Larry Hogan. You are encouraged to continue taking your continuing education courses, renewing your licenses online, and performing all other activities that are required for your license to the extent that you are able.
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