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Health and Safety

The health and safety of our students and staff remain a top priority of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). We continue to work collaboratively with the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and we follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect our school community.

COVID-19 Data

St. Mary's County Public Schools continues to track state-wide, regional, and school system data related to COVID-19. This page provides data related to confirmed COVID-19 cases.

SMCPS COVID-19 Data Dashboard: State-wide and Regional Data

Health and Safety Protocols

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Hand Washing

SMCPS students and staff members are encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the school day. 

What you need to know about handwashing (video)

Lo que necesitas saber acerca del lavado de manos
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Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing stations are provided throughout SMCPS buildings.

Using Hand Sanitizer
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Cleaning

SMCPS building services staff continue to perform routine cleaning and disinfecting. Special attention is given to high-touch areas.
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Face Coverings

Masks are required indoors at all SMCPS facilities.  

Masking Protocols (updated January 2022)
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Physical Distancing

Physical distancing is implemented to the extent possible within the SMCPS school buildings. The CDC encourages school districts to implement physical distancing to the extent possible but cautions against implementing distancing requirements that would lead to the exclusion of students from in-person learning.
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Communication

SMCPS provides ongoing communication with staff and the community regarding COVID-19 prevention practices. Signage is also used throughout SMCPS buildings to reinforce practices.

Covid-19 Processes

St. Mary's County Public Schools COVID-19 protocols for Staff and Students are based upon MDH and MSDE Guidance, including the January 6, 2022 Updated Guidance.

When Will My Child Be Sent Home From School Related to COVID?

The school nurse follows the MDH and MSDE Guidance when seeing students in the health suite with COVID-19 symptoms. As outlined in the document, COVID-19 symptoms are any ONE of the following: 

  • fever of 100.4 F or higher

  • sore throat

  • cough

  • difficulty breathing

  • diarrhea

  • vomiting

  • new onset of severe headache (especially with fever)

  • new loss of taste or smell

When Will My Child Be Able to Return to School?

If your student has ONE of the COVID-19 symptoms, the “Decision Aid” in the MDH and MSDE Guidance, including the January 6, 2022 Updated Guidance, will be used to determine your child’s return to school date. 

If you have questions, please contact your school nurse.

When Should I Keep My Child Home From School?

Do not send your child to school if your child is experiencing ANY signs/symptoms of illness. If your child required fever-reducing medication within the past 24 hours to maintain a normal body temperature, your child should NOT be in school.