Mask Mandate Returns To PGCPS Effective Aug. 15, Parents Speak Out On Social Media

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Face masks must be worn in all schools and district buildings within Prince George's County Public Schools starting Aug. 15. School officials announced the decision on Facebook Friday.

The mandatory mask-wearing policy was put back in place due to the "highly contagious BA variant 5 COVID-19," the district said, and is a change from its mask-optional policy that took effect July 1.

"The decision was recommended by the Prince George County Health Department. When responding to public health threats like COVID-19, Maryland school districts have the flexibility to determine mask-wearing policies," the school district posted on Facebook.

In July 2022, PGCPS transitioned from a mandatory mask-wearing policy to an optional-wear policy for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

While the school district turned the commenting feature off on its Facebook post announcing the switch back to mandatory face masks, others posted their unhappiness with the decision elsewhere on the school's social media account.

"Once again, this is the county officials pushing their agenda of fear. We are one of the last counties in the country to still have a mask mandate. As a parent that has a child in PG county schools, I would like it to make it my choice and their choice whether they choose to wear a mask," Facebook user Ray Abrams posted.

"It's sad that what this truly is a distraction. The schools do not have enough teachers to start in 2 weeks nor enough bus drivers. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if the facilities are not prepared for students. I have known people who have taught in PG county and who are traumatized by the upper administration. PG county officials, focus your attention on making our schools better and stop putting distractions like a mask mandate," Abrams continued.

Numerous other parents posted in that same Facebook thread that they will be sending their students to school without masks.

Maryland did not reimplement a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic, but some jurisdictions took precautions. In February 2022, the Maryland State Board of Education lifted its statewide mandate that students and staff wear face coverings in school. Instead, the decision about masking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was left to each local jurisdiction and its respective school board.

Related: CDC Eases COVID Restrictions: What Remains In Maryland

CDC Mask Guidance Changes

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Aug. 11 is no longer recommending people quarantine when exposed to someone with COVID-19, and is also dropping its guidance for people to stay 6 feet apart.

Instead, the agency is recommending those exposed to someone with COVID-19 wear a mask for 10 days and test for the virus on the fifth day.

The guidelines for those who test positive remain unchanged. They should isolate for five days and may end isolation after that time if they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication and their symptoms are improving. A mask should still be worn through the 10th day after testing positive, according to the guidelines.