The federal case against Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles’ now-rescinded order for private schools to remain closed is still pending.
Timothy Maloney, the attorney for private schools and families who sued the county, explained in a statement Monday on his law firm’s website that since Gayles rescinded his order to close nonpublic schools, “now is the time for cooperation, not litigation.”
Though Friday’s court hearing has been canceled, the case remains pending because Maloney said the families want to see how Gayles “treats religious and private schools going forward.”
Last week, Gayles rescinded his order closing nonpublic schools until at least Oct. 1, but maintained that he strongly advised against reopening the schools based on data on the spread of COVID-19. His earlier order had sparked a back and forth between the county and the state.
Gayles’ decision to back down came after the Maryland state health secretary issued a policy that barred the “blanket” closure of schools, public or private.
- Sign up for WTOP alerts
- Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia
- Coronavirus FAQ: What you need to know
- Coronavirus resources: Get and give help in DC, Maryland and Virginia
- March on Washington reconfigured to comply with virus rules
- Montgomery County program will bring local produce to food banks
- Worldwide virus cases top 20 million, doubling in six weeks
Looking for more information? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C.