BREAKING: Maryland Department of Education votes to require masks inside schools

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland State Board of Education has voted to require children and adults to wear masks in schools statewide this fall.

Most of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions already have mandated masks in schools, however, five counties have not, including Dorchester, Somerset, and Worcester Counties on the Eastern Shore.

We’re told the mandate will still need approval by the Maryland General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review.

On Wednesday, a bipartisan coalition of 32 Maryland senators sent a letter to the board, urging them to approve emergency masking in schools.

Senate President Ferguson released the following statement on today’s vote:

“A majority of the Maryland Senate called on the State Board of Education to promulgate emergency regulations to institute a statewide masking policy for schools and we applaud them for doing so this afternoon. Today’s vote demonstrates that President Crawford and the Board recognize the importance of safely keeping Maryland students in the classroom through proven mitigation strategies. I would like to personally thank State Superintendent Choudhury for his leadership on this issue. His voice was a critical component in today’s decision to do what is in the best interest of students, families, teachers, and staff. The Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) will work expeditiously to approve this emergency regulation.”