The State of Maryland announced Thursday that it will implement updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for social distancing in the classroom. The guidelines recommend that with universal masking, students in grades K-12 should maintain a minimum of three feet during in-person learning.
“Every single Maryland student must have the opportunity to return to attending school in some form or fashion, and this updated CDC guidance is another step in the right direction,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said in a press release. “The time has come to give our kids a chance to get back in the classroom, and to open all of the schools.”
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon and Deputy Public Health Secretary Dr. Jinlene Chan issued a letter notifying school systems of the update to the state’s guidance.
“This updated guidance is the result of numerous and robust academic studies finding that 3 ft of distance between students did not significantly impact transmission of COVID-19 when compared to the earlier 6 ft distancing guidance. Adults should continue to maintain 6 ft distance from students and other adults,” the letter said.
The state officials also said the updated guidance and low rate of cases should empower schools in the state to bring back students into the classroom before the end of the school year.
The State of Maryland is adopting new guidelines from the @CDCgov recommending that, with universal masking in place, students should maintain a distance of at least three feet in classroom settings.
Details: https://t.co/3LJtDG7wBT
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 25, 2021
