Maryland state officials are considering letting local school systems decide on mask mandates based on local vaccination and community transmission rates. This proposed shift from a statewide mandate aims to empower local authorities, allowing schools to become mask-optional if vaccination rates exceed 80% or if transmission rates remain low for 14 days. The State Board of Education's proposal, aimed at potentially terminating the mask requirement after February, emphasizes a gradual transition and local considerations for public health, particularly through the holiday season and amid ongoing variant developments.
"It provides us a way forward that does give off ramps from the mandate," said State Board Member Lori Morrow. "Ultimately, everyone needs to be working in that same direction, to find a way that we can finally get rid of the masks."
The new regulations are designed to extend mask requirements when needed while devolving control to local decision-makers.
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