Howard County Public Schools suspends all extracurricular activities through January 7 – CBS Baltimore

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) – Superintendent Michael Martirano said Wednesday, Superintendent Howard County Public Schools will suspend all athletic events and other extracurricular activities through January 7.

Martirano said these activities are being halted immediately as part of the school district’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 cases, which have increased at an “alarming” rate since Thanksgiving holiday.

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The director said there are nearly 300 positive cases, and 3,720 students and 146 staff are being isolated. That is compared to November 18 when there were 75 cases and 1,200 fewer students and staff in quarantine.

“The increase in positive cases has put a strain on school medical staff in accurately identifying and completing close communications efficiently,” he said. “In fact, the current number of cases in many of our schools has become daunting from an announcement standpoint.”

This measure applies to all sports practices and games, musical and theater rehearsals and performances, extracurricular activities and field trips. It goes into effect immediately and runs through January 15, but the matter will be reviewed on January 7.

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Students may meet or practice virtual, but they will not be allowed to use any of the district’s indoor facilities for those purposes, Martirano said. The suspension does not affect pre- or post-care plans.

The district is working with the parent-teacher union to change the face-to-face meetings to online.

Martirano said administrators are working with the Howard County Health Department to provide COVID-19 screening services in schools. He also asked parents to check in on their children daily and not send them to school if they have symptoms.

“It is absolutely essential that we do all we can to keep schools open and ensure each school remains a healthy learning environment for students and staff,” he said.

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