Based on the latest guidance from the federal health officials, the use of masks and face coverings will be optional for all persons in Baltimore City Public Schools campuses beginning Monday, March 14, 2022. However, masking for Central Office staff and visitors will be optional beginning Monday, March 7.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer recommends universal indoor mask wearing in K-12 schools and early education settings in areas with low or medium COVID-19 Community Levels. The COVID-19 levels in Baltimore City are in the low category. 

City Schools will continue to evaluate our masking requirement if conditions change in our community and make changes if necessary.

The hard work and efforts of City Schools students, staff, and families have been vital to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and community.

“Our school system and community have stepped forward in a huge way to reduce the spread of the pandemic. The data and guidance from the CDC are clear and unmistakable evidence. We have followed the advice of health experts, including the Baltimore City Health Department, implemented the proper precautions, and stayed vigilant through the different surges," said Sonja Brookins Santelises, Chief Executive Officer of City Schools. "We appreciate the efforts of our stakeholders, and we will stay cautious and continue to follow the advice of health experts."

The Board of School Commissioners supports optional masking in City Schools as well.

"The Board’s top priority is to support the ability of our families to choose what is best for their students. It is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Johnette Richardson, Board Chair. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, City Schools has followed the science and best health guidance. The Board remains fully confident in the system's ability to keep our students and staff safe.”

While masks will be optional generally, they will still be required in two cases: 1) close contacts for 10 days after exposure; and 2) those recovering from COVID for 10 days from the start of isolation. 

City Schools will continue many of its other COVID-19 safeguards (located at  baltimorecityschools.org/safety-procedures) including:

Masks will still be provided to any student or employee that requests them

Weekly testing for students and school staff

All staff must be vaccinated unless they have a medical or religious exemption

Test-to-Stay quarantines for students or staff that test positive after an initial pooled test at elementary/middle schools

Continued use of high-quality air filters or air purifiers

Preventative cleaning measures and the use of hand sanitizer

City Schools will continue to work to keep our students and staff safe.

Learn more about this important work at baltimorecityschools.org/safety-procedures