BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health on Friday announced a partnership with Oriole Park at Camden Yards to open a COVID-19 testing site inside the stadium.
Beginning on Friday, the site will offer free PCR tests before and during all home games as part of an ongoing roll-out of more community focused COVID-19 testing opportunities statewide. Fans will also have the opportunity to learn about registering for a vaccination at the site.
“Maryland is fighting COVID with vaccinations, but continued testing and practicing of safety measures like wearing masks and maintaining social distance remain a critical part to ending this pandemic,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are grateful for the Orioles support and partnership and look forward to bringing more testing opportunities like these into communities across the state.”
“This is just one element in Maryland’s evolving testing strategy, bringing these critical services directly into the community,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “As summer approaches, we want to support the return to the activities we’ve missed for over a year—like hometown baseball—and making testing convenient is essential to being able to do that safely.”
The testing site, located in the lower concourse across from Section 26, will be open from the time the gates open, an hour before the game, through the first two and a half hours of that game or the end of the 8th inning, whichever comes first. Visitors to the ballgame will be able to make an instant appointment using a QR code posted throughout the stadium or walk up for free testing.
This is a voluntary opportunity for fans already in attendance at the game, rather than a requirement for entrance to the game. All individuals tested will be notified of results by phone or email and will also have access to an online portal to check their laboratory results. Results for the tests are usually available within 24-48 hours.
“The Orioles organization continually goes above and beyond in their commitment to the Baltimore community,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Their enduring support will further assist our COVID-19 recovery efforts and help Baltimore residents overcome the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.”
“We know from public health experts that the best way to keep our community safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 is through increased testing and vaccination participation,” said John Angelos, Orioles Chairman and CEO. “By partnering with the Maryland Department of Health to bring on-site testing and additional vaccination information to Oriole Park, we can continue these efforts to reach societal immunity and end this pandemic once and for all.”
To find a COVID-19 testing site near you, visit https://covidtest.maryland.gov.
[Image via Chris Montcalmo Photography]
