DESE's Updated Guidance
COVID Supporting Resources
On Wednesday, February 9, DESE announced that after consulting with medical experts and state health officials, they will not renew the state mask requirement in schools after it expires on February 28. Effective Monday, February 28, the DESE mask requirement will be lifted statewide. The Commonwealth’s high vaccination rates and widespread availability of COVID-19 testing for school personnel and students support this decision.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Public Health strongly recommend students and staff continue to follow the DESE-DPH Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios.
As always, any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face higher risk from COVID-19, should be supported in that choice. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and DPH strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks in school settings.
The Commissioner will continue to monitor public health data, consult with medical experts and state health officials, and issue further guidance and/or requirements as needed.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS:
Masking is required in the Health Office
Based on DESE/DPH COVID protocols: you are expected to wear a mask for 5 additional days following the 5 days of isolation after testing positive for COVID
Based on DESE/DPH COVID protocols: if you are not vaccinated and identified as a close contact to someone with COVID, you are expected to wear a mask for 5 additional days following quarantine.
DESE continues to recommend a layered approach to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in school settings
Eligible individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster
Testing programs and weekly at home testing
Good hand hygiene practices
Staying home when you are sick