Category: COVID-19

Masks Optional in BCPS Schools on March 1


Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that masks will become optional in all BCPS schools and facilities, starting Tuesday, March 1.

This decision was based on new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance released on Feb. 25.

Masks have been required in all BCPS since the start of the school year.

The Maryland General Assembly’s Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) committee voted to approve the Maryland State Board of Education’s decision to lift the state mask mandate and to give local school districts the ability to make an independent decision about mask mandates. The CDC also announced changes to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings.

Based on new CDC metrics, Baltimore County is currently in the low transmission range.

“With a high vaccination rate and all of our metrics heading in the right direction, I am confident that we can now safely move to optional masking for students and educators,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I applaud BCPS for taking this step.”

“The Board of Education is committed to providing a healthy school environment for all students and staff,” said Board Chair Julie Henn.  “We are thankful for the extraordinary efforts, flexibility, and patience of students, families, teachers, support staff, and administrators over the past several months.  We appreciate the continued efforts of Dr. Williams and his team to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in our schools, preserving in-person instruction.”

“We greatly appreciate the support of all members of Team BCPS over the past two years,” said Superintendent Darryl Williams. “Working together, we have been able to follow the science and safely return to in-person learning, keep school buildings open through the Omicron surge, and are now able to lift some COVID restrictions.”

BCPS to Close Monday & Tuesday; Reopen Wednesday


Baltimore County Public Schools sent out an email explaining their schools would close on Monday, Jan. 10 & Tuesday, Jan. 11 and reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 12.

The purpose of the Monday and Tuesday closure is to prepare staff in the event that a school has to transfer over to virtual learning. Schools are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday.

Testing sites are going to be setup for staff at BCPS middle schools. There will be the distribution of KN95 masks and COVID-19 testing home kits.

Here is their letter to staff, parents and students:

We are sending this joint letter to provide important updates about Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) COVID-19 response and efforts to ensure student and staff safety. We also want to share information about the distribution of rapid COVID-19 test kits and KN95 masks for all students and staff. The health and safety of staff and students remains our top priority and BCPS is using all strategies and resources available to ensure that schools can stay open safely and we minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our school communities.

Here are some important next steps for our school system:

School buildings will be closed on Monday, January 10, 2022, and Tuesday, January 11, 2022, to provide staff with the time needed to prepare instructional lessons in the event of a temporary transition to virtual learning for their specific school. Staff from the BCPS Division of Curriculum and Instruction have prepared independent learning activities for all students to engage in on January 10 and 11, 2022. These activities cover multiple content areas, including science, social studies, math and language arts, and will be posted in Schoology by Monday morning. We are providing this planning time to all teachers now to minimize disruption should an individual school have to temporarily shift to virtual instruction. Currently, schools that are temporarily switching to virtual instruction are starting off with two days of asynchronous (independent) learning before live instruction begins on day three. We want to eliminate that asynchronous period and make certain that students are receiving live instruction from the first day of the temporary virtual period. Meals will be available for students while buildings are closed on Monday and Tuesday through curbside service. No sign-up or registration is required. For a schedule of curbside meal pickup locations, please visit: Food and Nutrition Services – Division of Business Services (bcps.org). Schools (except for those temporarily providing virtual instruction) will reopen on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, for in-person instruction.

Additional COVID-19 testing opportunities for all staff will take place on Monday, January 10, 2022, at all BCPS middle schools from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. All BCPS staff are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this testing provided by CIAN diagnostics. The list of schools for testing can be found here. Staff members who are not required to participate in weekly testing are strongly encouraged to register in advance at this link https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1e4c755d4dff450aa4b32e695f801610 to minimize delays at the testing site.

Distribution of rapid COVID-19 home test kits will take place on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at each school. We will distribute 126,000 test kits to BCPS staff and students. We have ordered additional testing kits, and anticipate they will arrive by Friday, January 14, 2022. Principals will contact their school communities to provide details on the distribution of testing kits. Rapid test kits will be distributed to central office staff by Friday, January 14. Additional details will be shared in a separate email.

Distribution of KN95 masks as an additional option for students and staff began Wednesday, January 5, 2022. To date, 74,000 adult-sized masks have been delivered to schools for staff and secondary students and we have ordered 54,000 child-size masks. Additional orders for KN95 masks have been placed to build our current PPE supply.

BCPS continues to utilize the following safety measures and strategies to keep students and staff safe:

Diagnostic testing:  Testing of students or staff who develop symptoms during the school day ensures quick identification and quarantine of cases. School nurses and our external testing partner will continue to provide onsite PCR testing for schools experiencing persistent or school-wide COVID-19 outbreak.

Screening testing: Routine testing of unvaccinated adults reduces risk of infection from the group most likely to transmit COVID at school. All staff members, regardless of vaccination status, will continue to have access to CIAN Diagnostics weekly testing.

Required masking in all schools and facilities: Masking significantly reduces the risk of COVID transmission from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people by reducing the number of viral particles released into the air by contagious people.

Temporarily pausing all extracurricular and athletic activities: This will help limit any potential transmission among students engaged in sports or other activities outside of school hours.

We understand this is a tremendously uncertain and difficult time for members of Team BCPS. We want to assure you that we are all in agreement that closing school buildings is our absolute last resort. Decisions to move an individual school or groups of schools to virtual learning are made after careful consideration and close collaboration with the BCPS Office of Health Services. A decision to pause in-person learning and activate remote learning is made only after a group of school and central office leaders meet to discuss critical factors including:

The number of staff and students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in a 14-day period.

The number of staff and students currently in quarantine.

The number of staffing vacancies at the school.

Special program considerations and overall impact on a school’s ability to maintain its normal, daily operations.

The availability of substitute teachers.

Whether the school can provide in-person instruction in a safe and supportive environment.

This work of maintaining in-person teaching and learning is a system and community effort. This week, more than 100 central office staff members—from across the organization—were deployed to assist in covering schools this week. Their efforts helped to preserve more than 2,100 hours of in-person instruction over a three-day period.

BCPS continues to meet with health officials and experts from the Baltimore County Health Department, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland to review and, as needed, refine current practices. We rely on the advice and strategies from these experts who share our commitment to keeping school buildings open and protecting the health and safety of members of the BCPS community.

As our community, state and nation continues to persevere through these challenges, please know that BCPS, TABCO, ESPBC, CASE, OPE, and AFSCME are committed to providing students with the high-quality education, support and access they need to thrive.

County to Distribute at-Home COVID Tests; Expand Test Sites


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced updates on Baltimore County’s ongoing efforts to expand access to COVID-19 testing, including plans for the distribution of 100,000 rapid at-home COVID tests for residents and the expansion of County-run testing sites.

“Expanding Baltimore County’s testing availability will help ensure residents can take every precaution to protect themselves and their loved ones amid the extremely contagious omicron variant,” Olszewski said. “I want to thank County Administrative Officer Stacy Rogers, Health Officer Dr. Gregory Branch, and the entire Department of Health and Human Services team for their dedicated efforts to secure and distribute these tests to community members.”

“Being fully vaccinated and having ample access to testing are vitally important tools in decreasing the spread of this virus,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Increasing testing options and availability will also help to lessen the burden on our hospitals and emergency rooms.”

Baltimore County Expanding COVID-19 Community Testing Clinic Locations and Hours

Beginning the week of January 10, Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services will expand the County’s COVID-19 public testing clinic capacity. Updated testing clinic locations and times include:

NEW SITE: Former Sears Automotive Center at White Marsh Mall (Lower Level) (8200 Perry Hall Blvd, White Marsh, 21236)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Liberty Family Resource Center (3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, 21133)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Drumcastle Government Center (6401 York Road, Towson, 21212)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Dundalk Health Center (7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, 21222)
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Baltimore County Moving to Appointment-based Testing

To improve the patient experience, Baltimore County will be moving to appointment only testing at County testing clinics beginning Monday, January 10. You must have an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test.

To schedule appointments for next week, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/covidtest. Residents are asked to assist relatives, neighbors, and loved ones in scheduling online appointments if they do not have internet access.

For more information, residents can call the Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline at 410-887-3816.

Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Test Community Distribution

County officials today announced plans to equitably distribute 100,000 free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests directly to residents through a variety of community-based channels. Information on the County’s community test distribution schedule is below:

Date Time Location Type
Monday, 1/10/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Catonsville Senior Center, 501 Rolling Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228 Drive Thru
Tuesday, 1/11/22 1 p.m. until supplies last County Career Center – Eastpoint Mall, 7930 Eastern Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21224 Drive Thru
Wednesday, 1/12/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Fleming Senior Center, 641 Main St, Dundalk MD 21222 Walk Up
Wednesday, 1/12/22 9.a.m. until supplies last Baltimore County Career Center – Liberty3637 Offutt Road, Randallstown, Maryland 21133 Walk Up
Wednesday, 1/12/22 4 p.m. until supplies last Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222 Drive Thru and Walk Up
Thursday, 1/13/22 9 a.m. until supplies last Jacksonville Senior Center, 3605 Sweet Air Rd, Phoenix, MD 21131 Drive Thru
Friday, 1/14/22 9 a.m. until supplies last Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 Drive Thru
Friday, 1/14/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Pikesville Branch, 1301 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Arbutus Branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, MD 21227 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Catonsville Branch, 1100 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Cockeysville Branch, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD 21030 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Essex Branch, 1110 Eastern Boulevard Essex, MD 21221 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Hereford Branch, 16940 York Road Hereford, MD 21111 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Lansdowne Branch, 500 Third Avenue Lansdowne, MD 21227 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Loch Raven Branch, 1046 Taylor Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL North Point Branch,1716 Merritt Boulevard, Dundalk, MD 21222 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Owings Mills Branch,10302 Grand Central Avenue Owings Mills, MD 21117 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Parkville-Carney Branch, 9509 Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Perry Hall Branch, 9685 Honeygo Boulevard, Perry Hall, MD 21128 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Randallstown Branch, 8604 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Reisterstown Branch, 21 Cockeys Mill Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Rosedale Branch, 6105 Kenwood Avenue Rosedale, MD 21237 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Sollers Point Branch, 323 Sollers Point Road Dundalk, MD 21222 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Towson Branch, 320 York Road Towson, MD 21204 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL White Marsh Branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Baltimore, MD 21236 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Woodlawn Branch, 1811 Woodlawn Drive Woodlawn, MD 21207 Walk Up
Sunday, 1/16/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Northwest Regional Park, 4515 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 Drive Thru
Sunday, 1/16/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Eastern Regional Park, 11723 Eastern Ave, Middle River, MD 21220 Drive Thru

All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by contacting your local urgent care, pharmacy, or your primary care provider.

BCPS Schools to Remain In-Person Next Week


Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that schools will reopen on Monday, Jan. 3 in-person at all BCPS Schools throughout Baltimore County.

With the increase in COVID cases, there was speculation that BCPS could go to an all virtual setting, but BCPS Superintendent Darryl L. Williams released an email on Thursday stating that schools will start Jan. 3 in-person. Williams also added that could change with COVID.

“With guidance from health experts and additional support from the county government, BCPS is moving forward with its plans to have students and staff return to schools and offices in-person on January 3, 2022. It is important to note that the Maryland State Department of Education also issued a statement clarifying that the expectation is that all school districts remain open for in-person learning and support for temporary transitions to virtual learning would be on a case-by-case basis.

“We know that for most students in-person learning is the best option to meet their academic and social-emotional needs. We also understand the pandemic is not over and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our communities safe. In addition to the safety measures shared in the December 20, 2021, message, we are also taking the following steps effective January 3, 2022:

“Providing COVID-19 resources to students, staff and families to ensure shared understanding and promote safe learning environments. (See When to Stay Home and Recommended Isolation Calendar)

* Postponing all athletic contests and extracurricular activities until Jan. 10 to expand weekly screening testing access to all middle and high school unvaccinated students who choose to participate in after school activities.
* Obtaining KN95 masks to provide as an additional option for students and staff.
* Providing onsite PCR testing for schools experiencing persistent or school-wide COVID-19 outbreak.
* Obtaining Rapid Home Testing kits for students and staff for distribution in schools with persistent or school-wide outbreaks.
* Collaborating with the Baltimore County Department of Health to offer school-based COVID vaccine clinics.

” School nurses will also continue to conduct testing for students and staff who develop symptoms at school. We have worked with Baltimore County government to supplement our current PPE supply and procured an additional 126,000 KN95 masks and 126,000 Rapid Home Testing kits for BCPS students and staff.

Other Important Things to Note

* BCPS may move individual schools or groups of schools to virtual learning after reviewing a number of factors (e.g., percent of positive student and staff cases, number of staff and students in quarantine, and special program considerations) in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland State Department of Education, and/or the Baltimore County Health Department. These closures will be tracked on the BCPS Web site.

* Maryland’s guidelines for quarantine and isolation have not changed. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for a minimum of ten days. Should Maryland adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s shortened isolation and quarantine guidelines, BCPS will update its practices accordingly.

Here is What You Can Do to Help

* Please stay home if you are sick. This is critically important as many individuals with even the mildest of symptoms are testing positive for COVID-19.
* If your child tested positive for COVID-19 over the winter break and will be absent on January 3, 2022, please alert your child’s school homeroom teacher, nurse, or administrator as soon as possible.
* Get the COVID-19 vaccine. It is safe and available to everyone ages 5 and older.
* Get the booster shot. This additional shot provides an added level of protection and is available for everyone 16 and above.
* Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whenever you are in a BCPS building or in public buildings in Baltimore County.

“The BCPS community is stronger when we work together. Your continued partnership and cooperation are critically important to keep our school communities healthy, safe and open for in-person learning. I want to wish all of Team BCPS a very happy and healthy new year in advance,” Williams said.

Baltimore County to Require Indoor Masks


As jurisdictions across Maryland and nationwide continue to experience rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases amid the extremely contagious omicron variant, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today declared a local state of emergency to expand Baltimore County’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new local State of Emergency will give Baltimore County the ability to quickly adopt emergency public health measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents, assist the County in requesting additional resources from the state and federal governments to support response and recovery efforts, and quickly procure materials and supplies necessary for protecting public health.

“We’ve made undeniable progress in our fight against this deadly virus, but it is clear the omicron variant significantly challenges our efforts to combat the pandemic,” Olszewski said. “Renewing Baltimore County’s state of emergency ensures we have every tool in our toolbox to keep our residents safe and keep our children where they belong: inside the classroom.”

Baltimore County to Implement Masking Requirement until January 31, 2022

Under this new state of emergency, County Executive Olszewski today also announced a new public health order requiring all individuals ages five and over to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces in Baltimore County, effective 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021 until January 31, 2022.

Baltimore County joins other large jurisdictions across Maryland, including Baltimore City, Howard County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in requiring face coverings in indoor settings.

“Government has an obligation to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our neighbors. I know firsthand that vaccines work. They help keep people out of hospitals—and keep people alive. Unfortunately, too many people have selfishly chosen to not get vaccinated” Olszewski added. “As a result, Baltimore County must now take this additional action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, reduce the burden on our healthcare system, and save lives.”

“We continue to encourage everyone to get tested if you are symptomatic or have had close contact with a confirmed case; get vaccinated if you have not already done so, and get boosted when eligible,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Initiating this local state of emergency alongside available testing, vaccination, and boosters will go a long way toward helping to slow the spread.”

Olszewski to Procure 100,000 Rapid At-Home Test Kits, Expand Large Scale Testing

County Executive Olszewski will allocate American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding and use emergency procurement authority under the declaration to secure 100,000 additional rapid at-home test kits to make available free to county residents.

In addition, Olszewski has directed the Baltimore County Department of Health to expand testing options by establishing an additional large-scale COVID-19 testing clinic.
Baltimore County will announce next steps on these efforts in the coming days.

Baltimore County has been a leader in efficiently and effectively delivering vaccines to residents, with over 600,000 individuals vaccinated. More than 76 percent of County residents aged 5 and older having received at least one dose.

However, since November 26, 2021, Maryland’s average positivity rate has increased over 264 percent. Over that same time, average number of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Baltimore County has increased over 188 percent.

As of today, Baltimore County hospitals had only 13 staffed ICU beds available countywide.

Face Covering Requirements

Beginning Wednesday, December 29 at 9 a.m., Baltimore County residents ages five and up will be required to wear face coverings in any indoor business, service, organization, or establishment that serves the general public.

This includes, but is not limited to: retail establishments, recreational establishments, houses of worship, and other locations open to the public.

Individuals will not be required to wear a mask if:
Eating or drinking while seated at food service establishments. Face coverings are still required when otherwise moving in or about a restaurant or bar premises.
A face covering cannot be worn due to a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability.
Wearing a face covering would subject the person to an unsafe working condition.
Wearing a face covering would make it impossible to receive certain services, including dental care, shaving, and facial treatments.
Swimming or engaging in other physical activities
Operating any public transportation conveyance, provided that the person is the sole operator of the conveyance, and located in a separate compartment that is off-limits to riders.
This requirement is set to expire on January 31, 2022.

Olszewski most recently declared a local state of emergency in August 2021 amid the peak of the Delta variant spike earlier this year.

The Baltimore County Council will hold a vote to consider continuation of the County’s state of emergency beyond Monday, January 3, 2022 at the Council meeting scheduled for Monday, January 3.

All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by contacting your local urgent care, pharmacy, or your primary care provider.

Olszewski Tests Positive for COVID-19


Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski announced on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He released a statement on Twitter.

“As part of my regular testing regimen, I received a positive PCR test for COVID-19. I am both vaccinated and boosted. I’m asymptomatic and currently feel fine,” Olszewski said.

“This is a critical reminder of the challenges we all continue face amid the highly contagious Omicron variant.”

Olszewski added that he will quarantine and work from home. He stated the he has contacted the Department of Health about close contacts.

BCPS Schools Stay Open; Extracurricular Activities Canceled


Baltimore County Public Schools sent out an email to parents on Monday morning stated that the school system will remain open for in-person at this time, but announced all before and after school non-athletic extracurricular activities will be suspended from Wednesday, Dec. 22 through Friday, Jan. 7.
All athletic events will be continue during scheduled school days, but all sporting events will be canceled during Winter Break.

BCPS Superintendent Darryl L. Williams released the following statement in an email.

“The sharp increase in positive cases and rapid spread of COVID-19 across the county, state, and country is deeply concerning, and I know many of you are worried about what it means for our school system and our efforts to keep our school buildings open and provide in-person learning for our students five days a week. I want to be clear—the health and safety of the Baltimore County Public Schools’ (BCPS) community remains our top priority. The decisions we make as a school system, while navigating the complexities of this ongoing pandemic, are guided by our commitment to ensure the health and wellness of our students and staff. We also know that for most of our students, their academic and social-emotional needs are best met when they are in person.

“As a result of our comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety practices, we can and will maintain in-person learning five days a week for all students. Our school buildings will remain open at this time. However, we cannot ignore the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases in Baltimore County, which have led to an increased number of cases in our schools in recent weeks. We will implement the following measures immediately to ensure we can continue to keep our school buildings open for teaching and learning:

“All in-person, before and after school non-athletic extracurricular activities are suspended from Wednesday, December 22, 2021, through Friday, January 7, 2022. This includes clubs, programs, and in-person tutoring. Schools are encouraged to transition to virtual meetings if possible. Community use of school buildings, including daycare programs, can continue as scheduled.

“Athletic practices and games may continue as scheduled given that student athletes are required to provide proof of vaccination or participate in weekly testing as a condition for participation. All games during the Winter Break (December 23, 2021 – January 2, 2022) are cancelled; optional masked practices are allowed. Beginning Monday, December 20, 2021, if a team has three or more active positive COVID-19 cases, team activities will be paused for 14 days. We want to remind all members of the community attending our games that masks are always required.

“In cases where the Baltimore County Department of Health identifies an outbreak and there is concern about increased spread of COVID-19 in a specific school, BCPS will work with health officials to determine next steps in accordance with the BCPS Response to Shifting Metrics.
BCPS will only close all schools and move to districtwide virtual instruction if required to do so by local and/or state government officials. The district will continue to work closely with the Baltimore County Department of Health to monitor cases in our schools. We will provide an update on our efforts by Thursday, December 30, 2021.
Next Steps and How You Can Help

“This is a rapidly changing situation and we need your continued support and partnership. In an effort to proactively prepare for any county and/or state ordered change to school operations, we ask that all students and staff bring their devices and chargers home for the winter break. We hold weekly meetings with health experts from the Baltimore County Department of Health, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Maryland to evaluate COVID-19 metrics and review our health and safety strategies as we respond to changing conditions. Here are some additional steps you can take to help us keep school buildings open for in-person instruction:

“* Get vaccinated. If you were vaccinated before May 2021 or you have only received a single dose of the J & J vaccine prior to October 2021, please consider getting a booster dose.
* Stay home if you are sick and get tested if exposed to someone who has tested positive for the Coronavirus.
* Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times whenever you are in a BCPS building or school facility.
* Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.

“If you are gathering or traveling for the holidays, please follow the safety recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As we prepare to close for the winter break, we ask that all staff and students bring their devices and chargers home for the break.”

Baltimore County to Offer COVID Vaccine to 5 to 11-Year Olds


Following the approval late yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Baltimore County is moving forward with plans to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine into the arms of its approximately 67,000 residents aged 5 to 11.

The Department of Health will begin administering the vaccine this week with clinics scheduled for both Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6.

“I know parents across Baltimore County – myself included – are breathing a sigh of relief knowing we can give our children the critical protection provided by the vaccine,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Our staff have been working diligently to prepare for this next phase of our vaccination effort, a critical step toward safely getting our kids back to all the things they’ve been missing.”

“We have received 8,700 doses of the pediatric vaccine in our initial allocation for use as first and second doses,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. “This latest approval by the FDA and the CDC helps bring us closer to protecting the entire family against COVID.”

The County has secured a new space for large clinics at the former Sears building at the White Marsh Mall (8200 Perry Hall Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21236).

The November 5 and 6 clinics will be held at this new location, on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinics are part of the County’s three-pronged approach for vaccinating this population, including partnering with pediatricians and family physicians; working with the public school system; and mounting family clinics that are free, accessible and convenient.

“BCPS is pleased to continue to partner with the Baltimore County Department of Health to support COVID vaccine efforts, by providing staff and use of our facilities, to ensure that COVID shots are readily available for our 5-11 year olds,” said Dr. Darryl L. Williams, Public Schools Superintendent.

Beginning Friday, each of the Baltimore County vaccine clinics will serve individuals 5 and over looking to receive the pediatric vaccine, as well as those 12 and older looking for first, second, or third doses of the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments are required to receive service.

You may schedule appointments at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 410-887-3816.

BCPS Denying Marching Band Right to Travel


The Perry Hall Marching Gators (Perry Hall High Marching Band) were told that the program will not be allowed to participate in fall travel competitions as a result of COVID-19 restrictions implemented by BCPS.

BCPS Board of Education Vice Chair Julie Henn doesn’t support those restrictions and is asking for BCPS to reconsider their decision to allow the band to travel.

She released the following statement:

“This evening I reached out to BCPS central office leadership and asked that the decision to deny Perry Hall’s Marching Band permission to participate in fall travel competitions be reversed.

“The decision does not align with current guidance which permits weekend activities which adhere to mitigation requirements.

“For instance, travel sports ARE permitted. Also, several other nearby school districts are participating in the same outdoor band competitions.

“Outdoor marching band competitions pose no greater health or safety risks than outdoor sports, involve no contact, and are as important to participants as sports are to student athletes.

“They are demanding both physically and mentally and marching band members commit as much, if not more, time to their performance as athletes do to their sports. They have worked hard and deserve these culminating events.”

The Perry Hall Band Boosters page released a statement thanking Henn for her support and explained the disappointment of the students in the band.

“Our Marching Gators have worked very hard on their Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Show this year and were looking forward to sharing it with others. To perform for other marching bands is something they have not had the opportunity to do for two years,” said the statement.

“Our Marching Gators have huge hearts and we hate to see them broken.”

Baltimore County Renews State of Emergency

One Councilman Questions Purpose of the Announcement

As jurisdictions across Maryland and nationwide continue to experience rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases amid the contagious Delta variant, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski  declared a local state of emergency to expand Baltimore County’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olszewski previously declared a local state of emergency on March 13, 2020, which remained in effect until July 9, 2021.

“Government has an obligation to do all we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. While we’ve made undeniable progress in our fight against this deadly virus, the rapid emergence of the Delta variant has made it clear that we need access to every tool in our toolbox to be able to respond to it,” Olszewski said.

“We remain committed to doing whatever is necessary to keep our residents as safe as possible and to ensure that when our children go back to school next week they can remain where they belong: inside the classroom.”

Baltimore County has been a leader in efficiently and effectively delivering vaccines to residents, with 74 percent of County residents aged 12 and older having received at least one dose.

However, since July 30, 2021, the 7-day case rate in Baltimore County has increased 376 percent, pushing Baltimore County within the CDC’s “substantial” transmission zone (50-99 cases per 100,000 residents) as vaccination rates vary from community to community.

The new local State of Emergency issued today will give Baltimore County the ability to quickly adopt emergency public health measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents, assist the County in requesting additional resources from the state and federal governments to support response and recovery efforts, and quickly procure materials and supply necessary for protecting public health.

The Baltimore County Council will hold a vote to consider continuation of the County’s state of emergency beyond August 31 in the coming days.

“Despite our best efforts to combat COVID-19 and vaccinate our residents, the continued spread of the Delta variant is deeply concerning and I applaud the County Executive’s leadership in declaring this local state of emergency,” Council Chairman Julian Jones said.

“I am certain my colleagues will agree that we must take every step to protect our residents by ensuring our government has all the tools to protect the public’s health, and I will convene an emergency council meeting to extend the local state of emergency within the next week.”

Seventh Councilman Todd Crandell said not all members of the Baltimore County Council were consulted on the decision to renew Baltimore County’s State of Emergency and he questions the significations of the decision.

“It appears that only certain Council members were made aware of the County Executive’s announcement of a new Local State of Emergency. I was not one of them, so currently I am not able to explain the reasoning behind the announcement. I now will have to ask the same questions I asked in the past, as the Local State of Emergency gives the County Executive powers to control aspects of commerce, public gatherings, and transportation. That’s it,” Crandell wrote on social media.

“There is no language in anything we researched, nor has the Administration proven to us, that a Local State of Emergency is necessary to procure state and federal aid to respond to the pandemic. In fact, the County has been operating without a State of Emergency with no slowing of its response for the last six weeks.”