MoCo Health Officer hopes for low-moderate COVID-19 transmission before non-public schools reopen
Dr. Travis Gayles referred to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for low to moderate COVID transmission—between eight and 32 daily new cases—in a press conference last week. MoCo currently averages 95 daily new cases, and has been above 32 average daily new cases since March 29.
Last Friday, Gayles ordered non-public schools to remain fully virtual until October. Gov. Hogan, who criticized the decision over the weekend, issued an executive order on Monday banning non-public school closures—but on Wednesday, Gayles reissued his original order, citing a different state law. The following day, the Maryland Department of Health reiterated that non-public schools should not face blanket closures by local officials.
On Friday, Gayles rescinded his order and allowed non-public schools to open, though he urged them to remain fully virtual.
Montgomery County Public Schools remain only virtual for at least the first semester.
By Prayag Gordy
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