Maryland’s governor on Feb. 14 dropped his mask mandate for state buildings, citing a reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. “Given the dramatic declines in our health metrics, we are now able to take another step toward normalcy in state operations,” Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said in a statement. The 7-day average of COVID-19 test positivity dropped below 4 percent in recent days, while hospitalizations linked to COVID-19 have dropped 78 percent since peaking in January. Cases and hospitalizations across the country soared in late 2021 and early this year but have since plummeted in virtually all states, including Maryland. The mask mandate will no longer be in effect starting Feb. 22, although individuals remain free to continue wearing them if they choose. At the same time, officials are encouraging masks for workers and visitors who have not gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. Hogan recently launched a lottery system in …