HCPSS Universal Indoor Masking Remains in Place

February 1st, 2022

On Feb. 1, 2022, the Howard County Executive lifted the countywide mask mandate for indoor private facilities. Please note that this does not impact HCPSS. The universal indoor masking requirement in HCPSS schools, offices and on school buses remains in place based on guidance from the Howard County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In July 2021, HCPSS implemented a mask requirement for all staff, students and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. That requirement preceded any state-level mask mandates for schools and was put in place as part of our multi-layered mitigation strategies. As the pandemic has evolved, public health guidance has continued to stress the importance of masking as an effective strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The HCPSS mitigation measures implemented in our schools and buildings were driven by the goal to return to in-person instruction but also to remain open for the entire year.

Consistent with HCPSS requirements, the county’s updated executive order requires masks in all County buildings and facilities, and on public transportation. The County also encouraged the continued use of masks as a precautionary measure.

More information related to HCPSS health and safety measures is available online.