Governor Larry Hogan, joined by Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon, held a recent press conference to provide an update on Maryland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and school reopenings.
From the Governor’s press release,
“I want to make very clear to the people of Maryland again that this crisis is not over and your actions may help determine whether we see a resurgence of the virus here in Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “As we have from the beginning, we will continue to follow the advice of our doctors and public health experts, and we will not hesitate to take statewide actions if and when we deem them to be necessary.”
According to the release, Maryland’s COVID-19 positivity rate continues to remain low and stable. The statewide seven-day positivity rate is now 4.49%, a decline of nearly 83% since it peaked at 26.91% on April 17.
Updates on testing and guidance can be found in the press release.
With respect to local school systems, Dr. Salmon announced they will have the flexibility to determine, in consultation with their local health officers, how they will open and which groups of students and staff will be able to re-enter school buildings. Depending on conditions in their locality, school systems may be more restrictive than the requirements outlined in the state’s recovery plan. MSDE will set “guardrails” for schools systems to operate to include guidance for face coverings, guidance for outbreaks, and a series of benchmarks to be met before reopening.
In closing his remarks, Governor Hogan addressed concerns about the State Board of Elections’ preparations for the November general election. The governor called on leaders in both parties to join him in strongly encouraging Marylanders to vote by mail.
