By Deborah Bailey,
AFRO D.C. Editor
Officials in Prince George’s County have announced that students will start the 2022-2023 school year with masks on.
The PGCPS website recently notified parents that masking is now required of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) students and employees.
“In light of the highly contagious COVID-19 BA.5 variant, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will return to a mandatory mask policy in all schools and facilities until further notice, effective on Aug. 15,” according to the website.
According to PGCPS, the guidance comes at the request of the Prince George’s County Health Department. The Centers for Disease Control rate of transmission for the BA.5 variant indicates that the county is experiencing a “low” rate of transmission, but the rate was designated as “high” when the decision was made for PGCPS to restart the masking policy.
School officials indicate they reserve the right to change the masking mandate at any time.
“Mask policy is subject to change according to local and state health department guidelines and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations,” according to the PGCPS website.
Donna Christy, president of Prince George’s County Educators, said Prince George’s County teachers are supportive of returning to a mask mandate if infection rates require it. Prince George’s County infection rates throughout the pandemic have been consistently among the highest rates in Maryland.
Prince George’s County Public Schools will reopen on Aug. 29.
Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member – subscribers are now members! Join here!