TOWSON, MD—The start of Baltimore County Public Schools’ in-person voluntary conditioning and skill development sessions for student-athletes has been postponed indefinitely. The sessions for BCPS middle and high school students were scheduled to begin on Monday, November 16th.

In accordance with guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health, BCPS staff will proceed with the conditioning and skill development sessions two weeks after Baltimore County reaches established parameters. Those parameters stipulate that the county positivity rate is 5 percent or lower and the number of cases per 100,000 residents is below 15. As of Nov. 9, the Baltimore County daily positivity rate (seven-day average) is 4.84 percent and the number of cases per 100,000 residents (seven-day average) is 22.77.

“We look forward to having our student-athletes back on their school campuses,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “We know that athletics offer unique opportunities for students to connect to their schools, strengthen physical and mental health, and develop collaborative and leadership skills. We are implementing this delay because we continue to prioritize the health and safety of students and staff.”

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve, BCPS officials added that they are monitoring health metrics daily in coordination with the Baltimore County Department of Health.