Masks are now optional in Virginia schools. But what comes next in Maryland?

The Maryland State Board of Education plans to discuss mask policies and COVID-19 metrics during its meeting next week.

As Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed legislation on Wednesday making masks optional inside Virginia public schools, Maryland school leaders stood by the statewide mandate as other officials called for it to be dropped.

The Maryland State Board of Education has control over the mandate, which requires all students and staff to wear a personal protective mask when inside a public school.

After being contacted by WUSA9, the board said on Wednesday that it would review COVID-19 regulations and metrics during its meeting next Tuesday.

“The Maryland State Board of Education is watching with optimism as COVID-19 metrics improve in the State in order to provide safe in-person instruction for our children and staff with minimal disruptions,” said State Board President Clarence C. Crawford. “In fact, the State Board issued the current not-to-exceed 180-day face-covering emergency regulation with off-ramps during the omicron surge, in anticipation of an improving environment in which face coverings would no longer be needed as we learn to live with the virus.”

Earlier this month, Governor Larry Hogan called for the board to drop the statewide school mandate while pointing to improving metrics in Maryland. . .

The board has approved the following "off-ramps" that would allow school districts to rescind mask mandates:

At least 80% of the county population is fully vaccinated
At least 80% of school staff and students are fully vaccinated
The county has sustained 14 consecutive days of moderate or low transmission rate of COVID-19 cases'>>>

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-board-of-education-mask-mandate-school-children/65-74fcb4ce-2824-4ce4-a018-896f5eb1e5d6?