ANNAPOLIS, Md.- Maryland public schools will remain closed through at least Friday, April 24 to fight the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced Wednesday during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan.
The updated announcement on school closings comes after the state announced a two-week closing period on March 12 that ran through this week.
Salmon said that after many discussions on how to address COVID-19 in schools, officials determined the best course of action is to keep schools closed for an additional four more weeks.
Salmon said while it is too early to say definitely when schools will reopen, officials will continue to reassess the situation as they move forward.
According to Salmon, more information will be available in the coming days as officials develop a statewide plan that maintains equitable standards and expectations for students. Local school systems will be communicating with their individual school communities as they move forward with implementing their plans. The State Department of Education plans to resume the continuity of learning next week.
When asked if summer school was an option, Salmon said, "We may look at extending the year."
The superintendent also said child care and day care facilities may remain open. She said the state is focusing on ensuring child care options for the children of essential personnel.
State universities moved to online-only learning through the rest of the semester last week. Virginia schools decided to close for the remainder of the year, while in Delaware schools are closed through May 15.
Maryland reported 423 COVID-19 cases (not yet including a fifth case reported in Wicomico County) and four deaths from the virus as of Wednesday.
“This crisis is really just beginning, in our state and across America,” Hogan said. “What we do know, is it is not going to be over in a matter of days, or even weeks.”
Also on Wednesday, Hogan announced that he has formally submitted a presidential disaster declaration for Maryland "to help provide funding for state and local governments, as well as nonprofits for such important initiatives as disaster unemployment insurance, hazard mitigation, and emergency protective measures."
Additionally, Hogan directed the Maryland Department of Health to immediately institute a program to allow medical students, nursing students, and medical technician students from Maryland universities and colleges to assist the COVID-19 response effort. The Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps is currently nearly 8,000 members strong. Marylanders are encouraged to volunteer at mdresponds.health.maryland.gov.
The governor also announced that 2,400 beds have been made available through the state’s hospital surge plan, which is weeks ahead of schedule. On Tuesday, the governor toured a field hospital and alternate care site at the Baltimore Convention Center.
On Monday, the governor issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses as of 5 p.m. that day but did not go as far as issuing a “stay-at-home” order or “lockdown” to combat the spread of COVID-19 as other states have done. However, the governor continues to encourage people to stay home as much as possible.
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