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Frederick County Public Schools is updating our health and wellness protocols to align with the recent directives and orders from the Governor and the Maryland Department of Health. Please review the updates and thank you for continuing to be mindful of everyone’s health and safety.
FACE COVERINGS:
Effective Monday, June 21, 2021, face coverings are OPTIONAL for FCPS staff when students are not present in the building.
Effective Thursday, July 1, 2021, face coverings are OPTIONAL for all FCPS staff and students, in accordance with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order 21-06-15-01. Wearing a face covering remains a requirement when students are on the bus as outlined in section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264). If there are changes to these directives and order, supplemental guidance will be shared.
FCPS respects that some of our staff may feel more comfortable wearing face coverings, and all employees should fully support anyone’s decision to continue wearing their face coverings. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FCPS has seen that the use of face coverings has contributed to reducing the spread of the virus. All staff are encouraged to make the best decision for their own personal health and safety.
REOPENING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES & OPERATIONS:
The summer operations of schools will continue as announced in the FOF released on May 21, 2021. Custodial staff have been provided with instructions to begin removal of floor decals and arrows in schools. Additionally, posted signs about face coverings and distancing may be removed.
Effective July 1, 2021, schools may rearrange classrooms to accommodate additional students in the building and to remove previously required distancing requirements between students and staff. All capacity restrictions for interior facilities are also lifted.
Staff who travel for their work duties may ride two or more to a vehicle without face coverings as long as all employees are fully vaccinated. An individual is not fully vaccinated until two weeks after their last vaccination dose.
Good hand hygiene is still a recommendation for general health considerations. Staff and students should continue washing or sanitizing hands routinely, especially before eating.
QUARANTINE AND SICK LEAVE:
As a reminder, as of July 1, 2021, FCPS staff will use their own available sick, personal, or annual leave should they become infected with COVID-19 or are identified as needed to quarantine because of a close contact to a positive individual. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact to an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 as long as the fully vaccinated close contact remains asymptomatic.
*FCPS encourages employees to make the best decisions for their personal health and wellbeing.
If you are interested in being vaccinated against COVID-19, please visit the Maryland Vaccination Website.