Orioles partner with Maryland Department of Health to offer free, voluntary COVID-19 testing during home games

The Orioles and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced a partnership that will bring free COVID-19 testing to the fans of Birdland during home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Beginning today, fans can receive a complimentary PCR test at the ballpark's COVID-19 testing site, located along Lower Level Concourse outside Section 26. Fans will also have the opportunity learn about COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the site.

"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."

The Oriole Park testing site, created in conjunction with Maryland COVID-19 Testing Task Force, will be open during all home games, from the time gates open until 2.5 hours after first pitch or the top of the 8th inning, whichever comes first. Test results will be reported via text, email, or call and will usually be available within 24-48 hours. This program is a complimentary, voluntary opportunity for fans already in attendance. Testing will not be required for entry to the ballpark.

"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 Maryland 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."

"The Orioles organization continually goes above and beyond in their commitment to the Baltimore community," said Baltimore 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."

"This is just one element in Maryland's evolving testing strategy, bringing these critical services directly into the community," said Maryland Department of Health 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."

This initiative is part of the organization's ongoing efforts to promote vaccination education and provide resources to the Birdland community. In this effort, the Orioles have established a club goal of 100-percent vaccination participation within the organization, from both the players on the field to the staff inside the Warehouse.

Throughout the season, the Orioles are also inviting local frontline and health care workers to select games in honor of their selfless dedication to keeping our city safe. The team will welcome members of the Baltimore City Health Department, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Maryland Medical Center, MedStar Health, Sinai Hospital, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center at various games throughout the year.

Additionally, during every Orioles home game - whether in the ballpark or watching on MASN - fans are encouraged to "Take One For the Team and Get the Vaccine" by Orioles players and front office staff through educational public service announcements.

To learn more about the Oriole Park testing site and the club's COVID-19 efforts, please visit Orioles.com/Vaccine.