Maryland Schools Mask Mandate

The Maryland State Board of Education voted this Tuesday to end the mask mandate in Maryland Public Schools by next Tuesday, Mar. 1, due to a reduction in cases in the past few weeks.

The Board voted 12-2 on the measure, and the reactions of Marylanders have been mixed so far. Though the Governor and Maryland Republicans support the measure, some parents are concerned about the possibility of another outbreak. Other community stakeholders wished that the Board waited for a few more weeks. The measure has to be approved by a joint legislative committee in Annapolis, which could vote against it. This decision would veto lifting the mandate. We will hear the announcement of their decision during a public hearing at 2:30 on Friday. 

However, the mask mandate has ended in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, since the county has reached an 80% vaccination rate (one of the thresholds set when the mask mandate was in effect). 

MCPS is committed to keeping the mask mandate in our schools, but will have a meeting this afternoon, Feb. 24, where it will be discussed.

In the meantime, stay safe and stay masked.