Schools
Masks Not Required As Of July 1: Harford County Public Schools
In accordance with the governor's guidance, HCPS reports it will lift mask mandates in school buildings and offices.
HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks in Harford County starting July 1, according to officials with Harford County Public Schools.
Administrators made the announcement Wednesday, the day after Gov. Larry Hogan ordered the state of emergency and mask mandates to be lifted July 1.
Officials said they were adhering to Hogan's guidance by removing the mandate on face coverings in schools and offices.
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"This means that for all in-person summer school instruction and summer programs, students and staff will not be required to wear masks as of July 1," Harford County Public Schools said in a statement Wednesday, June 16. "If you would like your child to continue wearing a mask in school, please instruct your child to do so."
Fourth Of July Guidance
Students and chaperones participating in Fourth of July events will also not need to wear masks, as long as the events are after July 1. However, officials noted that parade committee guidelines would still apply.
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During Tuesday night's Harford County Council meeting, Harford Health Officer Dr. David Bishai said he told Superintendent Sean Bulson that he was not going to recommend mask wearing at July 4 festivities.
"When it’s not raining, you don't wear a raincoat, and it’s not raining COVID anymore," Bishai said, noting the number of new cases has slowed.
“I would no longer recommend that they wear bell covers on their instruments or masks,” Bishai said of those in marching bands in the parades.
Masks Not Expected This Fall Either
When the fall semester starts, authorities said they expect masks will no longer be required either.
"We expect to begin the 2021-2022 school year without masks," officials said in a statement. "We will continue to dialogue with the Harford County Health Department, as well as review CDC and MSDE guidance around schools and best practice response to COVID-19 throughout the summer."
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