BALTIMORE, MD—The Archdiocese of Baltimore on Friday announced that, beginning on Monday, February 14, the Department of Catholic Schools will transition all archdiocesan schools, where jurisdictions allow, to parental choice when it comes to masking and implement an optional masking standard.

For students, this option will be based on parental choice. Staff and visitors will also have the option to wear a mask or not. This applies to all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.

This does not apply to schools located in Baltimore City as a mask mandate is still in effect.

AoB officials say the decision is based on a comprehensive analysis of data, expert guidance from distinguished health and infectious disease experts, and the steady decline in COVID transmission rates throughout the region. Increased access to COVID-19 testing, expanded vaccination eligibility, and a better understanding of the effectiveness of the COVID mitigation strategies currently in place are also contributing factors.

Masks are required for all individuals while on public transportation conveyances, including public and private school buses and vans. School buses are subject to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention order requiring masks on public transportation, which was issued in January of 2021.

“The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority and we will continue to monitor the COVID landscape as it evolves within the region,” AoB officials said on Friday.