5/8/2020 Ocean City Today

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OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

MAY 8, 2020

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Beach, Boardwalk reopening per two govt. declarations

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Although the Boardwalk was empty this week, come Saturday, May 9, the resort may see guests trickle in after Mayor Rick Meehan issued an emergency declaration reopening it on Monday, May 4. Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order is still in effect, and Meehan’s move does not supersede it.

Schools shut, education continues By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) The education will continue but students and educators in Worcester County will not return to school classrooms for the remaining academic year, as State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced the statewide closure on Wednesday during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan. The Maryland State Department of Education initially closed all the state’s from March 16-27 to limit the spread of covid-19, but on March 25, extended the closure by four weeks

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until April 24. On April 17, Salmon announced another extension to May 15. “After extensive discussions with the Maryland State Board of Education, the Maryland Health Department and additional health experts advising the governor, I am convinced this is the appropriate decision in order to continue protect the health and safety of our students, educators, staff, and all members of school communities throughout Maryland,” Salmon said. She said that online and distance learning would continue. In response, the state board of education, local

school superintendents and advisors drafted the Maryland Together Recovery Plan for Education. “This document lays the groundwork for the coming months as we maintain and improve online learning opportunities and identifies methods for recovering any lost instruction time that has occurred as a result of covid-19,” Salmon said. She added that the plan includes considerations on how to bring students and staff back to school in person safely. It does not include any mandates or requirements, but rather See CLASSROOMS Page 4

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday afternoon that citizens would be able to participate in a broader range of physical activities effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., including walking on the beach and Boardwalk. Additionally, elective surgeries and procedures at hospitals and medical facilities, including dental work, may also resume. “I know how anxious people are to go outside both for their physical and mental wellbeing, and we also know outside activity is safer than inside activity,” Hogan said. “After much discussion yesterday, all of our doctors and scientists are now in agreement that we are able to move forward with resuming some additional lower risk outdoor activities.” These activities are golf, tennis, boating, fishing and camping. The state will also reopen some closed functions at state parks, including all state beaches for walking See GOVERNOR Page 2

County sticking with continued virtual meetings By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) A motion to resume in-person meetings for the Worcester County Commissioners missed by one vote Tuesday, meaning that the meetings will be conducted via Zoom for the time being. County Commissioner Jim Bunting suggested resuming meetings with social distancing. “If the Senate can go back and work See COMMISSIONERS Page 3

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