MCPS Schools to Stay Open After Three Coronavirus Cases in Montgomery County

Montgomery County Public Schools released a statement Thursday evening announcing schools would remain open after Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed the first three cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maryland are from Montgomery County. Because of these cases, Hogan declared a state of emergency Thursday evening.

State officials do not believe the three patients have had any contact with Montgomery County students, MCPS officials says. MCPS said it is continuing to work with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to prepare for the possibility of eventually having to close schools. In the event that schools have to close in the future, MCPS says it has a plan in place.

School officials encourage community members to check the MCPS coronavirus webpage for any updates. They also urge the community to be alert and contact their health provider if they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Please read this important update regarding coronavirus cases in Montgomery County: https://t.co/0f6g066fH7

— MCPS (@MCPS) March 6, 2020

Full MCPS Statement After Hogan Declares State of Emergency

Dear MCPS Community,

Tonight, we learned that the first 3 cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) that were identified in the state of Maryland are from Montgomery County. The patients are identified as a married couple in their 70s and an individual in their 50s. They contracted the virus while traveling overseas. State officials have shared that they do not believe these individuals have had contact with MCPS students. As you know, we have been preparing for this situation through our interagency coordination with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. At this time, we are following guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services and our schools will remain open. As we move forward, we are preparing for the possibility of school closures in the future should this become necessary. We encourage all MCPS families to remain vigilant through this situation and consult your health provider if you are experiencing symptoms that you may believe are related to the coronavirus.

We will continue to provide updates as this situation develops. Visit the coronavirus webpage to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

Sincerely,

Montgomery County Public Schools

About Deirdre Byrne

Deirdre Byrne is a social media coordinator for Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at dbyrne@mymcmedia.org or on twitter at @DeirdreByrneMCM.

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