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The rise in COVID-19 cases in Maryland has led to at least one college to once again require students and staff members to mask up.

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Effective Wednesday, the Community College of Baltimore County has reinstated its face mask mandate at all three of its campuses, which will affect about 15,000 students and staff members. It comes during the last week of classes and just one week before the start of final exams.

| RELATED: Baltimore-area officials have no plans to bring back face mask mandates, for now

Students in an English 102 honors class were among those wearing face masks as part of the masking requirement in all classrooms and indoor gatherings where there are 10 people or more.

"I don't like it necessarily, but with all the new cases that are coming out, I think it's necessary to wear one to be safe. So, I support it," said Aaron Thoms-Chesley, a student.

The rise in the state COVID-19 positivity rate is what drove CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis to take what she called a heavy dose of caution.

"We actually have very strong safety protocols across all of our campuses, and we build them so we could ramp up when we need to and ramp down when we need to," Kurtinitis said.

| RELATED: With a rise in COVID-19 cases, what precautions should you take?

Across the Essex campus, masking was the topic of conversation that led to a range of emotions coming from students who had received word about face coverings.

"I thought it was fine. I was honestly shocked just because we'd just gotten to a point where we didn't need them anymore," said Natalie Hume, a student.

"Honestly, I'm kind of, at the same time, irritated because we are kind of going back and forth. So, when is this ever going to be over?" said Nada Shinnawi, a student.

"Obviously, stats can rise and fall by the day. You see now we are at a high again with COVID, so we should just keep them (on). It's too much back and forth," said Taylor Bryan, a student.

CCBC said the campuses will continue to keep extra masks on hand and ensure clinics remain open for student and staff COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. WBAL’s Tim Tooten stopped by CCBC today to talk about the college re-instating the indoor mask mandate. Safety is always a priority. Watch @wbaltv11 at 5 pm to see the interviews. pic.twitter.com/XH8xdjyL44— CCBC (@CCBCMD) May 11, 2022 Baltimore-area officials have no plans to bring back face mask mandates, for now While Maryland COVID-19 cases are increasing, hospitalizations remain low Health officials concerned COVID-19 treatment options are going unused Doctors hold out hope for Pfizer's pill to treat COVID-19 Doctor discusses data surrounding antiviral pill to combat coronavirus Doctor: COVID-19 pill could provide another layer of protection Doctors discuss uses, effectiveness of experimental coronavirus pill Pfizer confirms COVID-19 pill's results, says it's effective against omicron FDA advisers vote to recommend authorization of COVID-19 pill from Merck FDA: Merck COVID-19 pill effective, experts will review safety

WBAL’s Tim Tooten stopped by CCBC today to talk about the college re-instating the indoor mask mandate. Safety is always a priority. Watch @wbaltv11 at 5 pm to see the interviews. pic.twitter.com/XH8xdjyL44

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