The State of Maryland is encouraging school systems to implement COVID-19 testing programs for the fall semester. The goal of testing programs would be to detect cases early and prevent the spread of the virus, especially among children under the age of 12 who are unable to be vaccinated.

In an effort to help schools set up testing programs, the Maryland departments of health and education are offering a total of $182 million to help offset costs. These funds originated from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding would be available to both public and private schools for routine testing.

According to a press release issued by the Maryland Department of Health, Secretary Dennis R. Shrader said his department:

…strongly encourages K-12 schools to request these funds and put in place a robust testing program to protect students, teachers, and staff during this upcoming school year.

Additional information about the funding available and existing school-based testing efforts is available in a recent Baltimore Sun article.