It’s all due to the coronavirus.
Annapolis, Md (KM) Public schools in Maryland will continue to be closed for another month. State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced on Wednesday that schools will be closed through April. 24th due to the coronavirus emergency. “We do not make this decision lightly,” says Dr. Salmon. “However, with the challenges facing the state and our country, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities and our communities at large.”
Earlier this month, Dr. Salmon ordered all public schools in Maryland closed through Friday, March 27th.
During a news conference in Annapolis called by Governor Larry Hogan, Dr. Salmon said she is working with local school systems to provide continuity in education for children. “While it is too early to definitely say exactly when schools will reopen, we will continue to reassess the situation as we move forward,” she said.
In addition, Dr. Salmon says the state is continuing to look for space for child care facilities for the kids whose parents work in essential jobs to contain the COVID-19 virus. “At this juncture, we have identified space for more than 1200 school-age children of essential personnel at various locations throughout Maryland, in spaces such as YMCA’s, the Maryland School for the Blind, public libraries, parks and recreation facilities and boys and girls clubs,” she says.
She says state hopes to increase that space for up to 2500 students.
Anyone whose jobs is essential in helping to stem the coronavirus outbreak and is in need of childcare can call 1-877-261-0060 for more information.
Declaration.
Also during that news conference, Governor Hogan announced that he has requested the President issue a disaster declaration for Maryland as it deals with the COVID-19 emergency. If it’s approved, it will provide federal assistance as the state grapples with this crisis.
“People are looking for certainty, but the truth is we simply don’t yet know how bad it’s going to get, or how long it’s going to last, or how successful these social distancing actions are going to be in flattening the curve,” says Hogan.
But he says this crisis won’t be of short duration. “What we do know is that it’s not going to be over in a matter of days, or even weeks,” the Governor says. “And as I have been saying over and over since day one, the number of cases is going to continue to rapidly and dramatically rise.”
The Maryland Department of Health says as of Wednesday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the state is 423 which is up by 74 from Tuesday. In Frederick County, there are eight cases. Washington County has two, and Carroll County ha five. In Montgomery County, the number of coronavirus cases is 127.
By Kevin McManus