TOWSON, Md. — Baltimore County Public Schools says all school system employees will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Officials say those who have not been vaccinated or who opt out of sharing their vaccine records with the district will be required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing.
“We are creating this requirement to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff during this continuing pandemic,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “The move is aligned with our commitment to provide in-person instruction throughout the 2021-2022 school year. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing COVID-19 transmission. I encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated.”
In addition to required vaccines or testing for staff and universal masking in all schools, offices, and buildings, BCPS officials say that the following additional mitigation strategies will be employed for the 2021-2022 school year:
- Maintaining physical distancing to the greatest extent possible.
- Conducting screening testing to promptly identify cases, clusters, and outbreaks.
- Maintaining ventilation settings for maximal outdoor air intake and maximal filtration.
- Reinforcing handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
- Reinforcing that children and staff should stay home when sick and seek COVID-19 testing if necessary.
- Conducting contact tracing for all cases among students and staff, including enforcing quarantine and isolation to limit spread.
- Cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces daily.
