BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD—Competitive sports will soon be returning to Baltimore County Public Schools.

County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Friday evening announced that BCPS will allow competitive games to resume on Friday, March 12th.

“Baltimore County has consistently supported the safe return to play for our children,” said Olszewski. “After continued consultation with the Baltimore County Department of Health, BCPS will allow competitive games beginning Friday, March 12th.”

“Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks programming, BCPS athletics, and all amateur athletics that fall under state and local health orders will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the health and safety of our community,” Olszewski added.

BCPS officials have issued the following statement:

“Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) supports the safe return to athletic competition for student athletes. After continued consultation with staff from the Baltimore County Department of Health and an intense focus on mitigation strategies, BCPS will allow inner county competitive games beginning Friday, March 12. This is possible because of new guidance from the Baltimore County Department of Health, which provides flexibility from some aspects of the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. To aid and support the safety of our student athletes and staff, we will only allow one spectator per athlete when competition resumes. Information on how spectators can access a ticket will be forthcoming from each school’s athletics office. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and more information as necessary.”