No Field Trips, Athletic Events Out Of State: HCPSS Officials

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Numerous school districts across Maryland have taken proactive measures to help quell the spread of the novel coronovirus, including limiting field trips and athletic events. Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano Tuesday announced that all out-of-state field trips and athletic events, including those to Washington, D.C., are canceled effective immediately due to concerns related to COVID-19.

All currently approved in-state field trips are being reassessed individually and decisions will be communicated to families by Thursday, March 12, the district announced March 10. This decision is in effect through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, official out-of-state travel for HCPSS employees is canceled.

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“The decision to cancel out-of-state field trips was made out of an abundance of caution to minimize risk to HCPSS students, staff and families,” said Martirano in a statement. “This decision alone cannot completely eliminate the risk of exposure to this virus, so I remind all Howard County citizens to increase personal precautions and practice the healthy habits recommended by the Howard County Health Department. I continue to stay in direct contact with Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer to receive guidance and collaborate on efforts to help protect our students and staff.”

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan yesterday canceled all out-of-state travel for state employees, which affected HCPSS' decision. All HCPSS schools and buildings are fully operational and scheduled activities within schools, as well as athletic travel within Maryland will continue as planned.
HCPSS also encourages families to stay up to date on direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal travel guidelines and to exercise caution when making travel plans. Visit the HCPSS Coronavirus COVID-19 webpage for additional information.