WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles has rescinded his health order that required private and parochial schools to remain closed for in-person instruction.
According to a release from the county, the decision to rescind the order was made following a new policy that was recently announced by the state department of health prohibiting the blanket closure of nonpublic schools.
Gayles’ initial order prohibited private and parochial schools from opening for in-person teaching until after Oct. 1, 2020.
According to the release, Gayles “continues to strongly advise schools against in-person learning due to the risks posed by COVID-19.” He also wants the state department of health to provide “articulable criteria to be used in determining acceptable and safe levels of activity in schools.”
The full release is available below.
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 7, 2020
Reemphasizing the need to protect the health and safety of Montgomery County residents as well as parents, students, teachers and staff from the spread of COVID-19, County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles today announced that he has rescinded his health order that prohibited nonpublic schools from opening for in-person instruction until after Oct. 1, 2020. The decision was made due to the new policy announced yesterday by the State Department of Health prohibiting the blanket closure of nonpublic schools.
Today’s new Health Officer Directive and Order regarding public, private and independent schools, dated Aug. 7, 2020, is effective immediately and rescinds the order dated Aug 5, 2020.
The Health Officer continues to strongly advise schools against in-person learning due to the risks posed by COVID-19 and has asked that the Department of Health provide articulable criteria to be used in determining acceptable and safe levels of activity in schools.
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