Maryland matches CDC mask guidance

[Anonymous]

This appears to be good news!

[Anonymous]

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/Documents/SIGNED%20mdh_msde_joint%20memo_school_childcare%20guidance%20update_3.2022%20(1).pdf" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Direct link

Or, if that doesn’t work, a shortened link: https://tinyurl.com/ymfwbfvv

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/Documents/SIGNED%20mdh_msde_joint%20memo_school_childcare%20guidance%20update_3.2022%20(1).pdf" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Direct link

Or, if that doesn’t work, a shortened link: https://tinyurl.com/ymfwbfvv

Short link worked thank you!!

[Anonymous]

Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

Yes you are correct. But by removing the outdoor masking recommendation it leaves center directors with less place to hide. They now need to tell their parents it’s their choice and MSDE is not making them do anything. This is good news as parents can now decide for themselves. Sadly it comes too late for us to apply for many already full preschools that closed admissions in January. Not really anyones fault- but very frustrating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

I’m looking at this and it recommends that people work with their local DoH. So I guess the people to contact are at the county level? I would absolutely love it if the timing could align with MCPS (which I’m not convinced will be the 8th, more like they will say after spring break). But it really should align.

Are you guys going to contact the county or your preschool or both? I’m very tired of all of this but want my voice to be heard too…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

It makes you feel any better, Montgomery county came out a couple weeks ago and also said masks were no longer required in daycares. Even though they were never really required but their language made it seem like it was. But now they outright said it wasn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

It makes you feel any better, Montgomery county came out a couple weeks ago and also said masks were no longer required in daycares. Even though they were never really required but their language made it seem like it was. But now they outright said it wasn’t.

Can you provide a link to this please?

People on this thread and others on the topic of daycare covid policies don't understand that each county makes it's own guidance and rules and is not required to follow state guidance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

Wait WHERE do you find this information? I feel like it’s so easy to keep up with MCPS info but for little kids is so hit or miss.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

It makes you feel any better, Montgomery county came out a couple weeks ago and also said masks were no longer required in daycares. Even though they were never really required but their language made it seem like it was. But now they outright said it wasn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

It makes you feel any better, Montgomery county came out a couple weeks ago and also said masks were no longer required in daycares. Even though they were never really required but their language made it seem like it was. But now they outright said it wasn’t.

Can you provide a link to this please?

People on this thread and others on the topic of daycare covid policies don't understand that each county makes it's own guidance and rules and is not required to follow state guidance.

I received an email.

On February 22 the mask mandate in Montgomery County was lifted for indoor settings, including child care. At this time, they are still required in public schools, public transportation (Metro, Metro Bus, and Ride-On), and in the incorporated cities of Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, and Rockville city buildings.

Despite the mandate being lifted, child care programs can continue to require staff and children or visitors to wear a mask. The County is strongly recommending those in our child care community who have not received their booster continue to wear a mask while in their child care settings.

It was not a link so I’m sorry I can’t provide that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

It makes you feel any better, Montgomery county came out a couple weeks ago and also said masks were no longer required in daycares. Even though they were never really required but their language made it seem like it was. But now they outright said it wasn’t.

Can you provide a link to this please?

People on this thread and others on the topic of daycare covid policies don't understand that each county makes it's own guidance and rules and is not required to follow state guidance.

I received an email.

On February 22 the mask mandate in Montgomery County was lifted for indoor settings, including child care. At this time, they are still required in public schools, public transportation (Metro, Metro Bus, and Ride-On), and in the incorporated cities of Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, and Rockville city buildings.

Despite the mandate being lifted, child care programs can continue to require staff and children or visitors to wear a mask. The County is strongly recommending those in our child care community who have not received their booster continue to wear a mask while in their child care settings.

It was not a link so I’m sorry I can’t provide that.

For those who want to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, watch the County Council session from two days ago. Dr. Bridgers explicitly stated that universal masking is still recommended in child care and that, stunningly, the county plans to create its OWN updated guidance after the CDC and MSDE finish updating their child care specific guidance documents. Montgomery County always has to be special. I am assuming they want toddlers and preschoolers to mask indefinitely, and if that turns out to be true I will never listen to a word they say ever again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good news that MSDE is following CDC guidance. So MoCo and preschool/daycare directors - are you going to be the ones to make sure toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers are the only ones left masking, or are you going to align yourselves with public health guidance?

This was announced a few weeks ago and masking for two and over was always simply recommended. Directors and owners who continue to follow this advice or doing so as a business decision.

What was announced a few weeks ago. I only see the letter posted above, dared March 2 (yesterday).

Yes, we KNOW it is optional. Thank you for repeating that af nauseum. I also know our provider has not surveyed families. And, this decision does impact children's development, so there should be more than just "business" involved.

+1. When I’ve contacted MSDE about this I got similar replies, “oh it’s only recommended, not required!” Just completely missing the point that their recommendations are followed by many providers- and I can’t really blame the providers for doing this, they need something to refer to when making these decisions. This gives them cover to remove the masking requirement, unless of course MoCo comes along with a special recommendation refuting the state and CDC, which is bound to happen.

It makes you feel any better, Montgomery county came out a couple weeks ago and also said masks were no longer required in daycares. Even though they were never really required but their language made it seem like it was. But now they outright said it wasn’t.

Can you provide a link to this please?

People on this thread and others on the topic of daycare covid policies don't understand that each county makes it's own guidance and rules and is not required to follow state guidance.

I received an email.

On February 22 the mask mandate in Montgomery County was lifted for indoor settings, including child care. At this time, they are still required in public schools, public transportation (Metro, Metro Bus, and Ride-On), and in the incorporated cities of Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, and Rockville city buildings.

Despite the mandate being lifted, child care programs can continue to require staff and children or visitors to wear a mask. The County is strongly recommending those in our child care community who have not received their booster continue to wear a mask while in their child care settings.

It was not a link so I’m sorry I can’t provide that.

For those who want to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, watch the County Council session from two days ago. Dr. Bridgers explicitly stated that universal masking is still recommended in child care and that, stunningly, the county plans to create its OWN updated guidance after the CDC and MSDE finish updating their child care specific guidance documents. Montgomery County always has to be special. I am assuming they want toddlers and preschoolers to mask indefinitely, and if that turns out to be true I will never listen to a word they say ever again.

I hope that is not true because all of this back-and-forth is why many daycares don’t want to remove masks today. They’re afraid that in a week they’ll revert back. I will never revert back even if it means black marks on my record. I have always been against masks on children because I work with children who need speech therapy it’s important for them to see my mouth when I speak and teach them. They also never wore them properly for the entire time. We eat together and we nap together.