Lockport City School District
March 1, 2022
Governor Hochul Mask Announcement UPDATE
On Sunday, February 27, 2022, Governor Hochul ended the universal mask mandate for schools in New York State effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022. While there has been ample evidence that the wearing of masks has had a positive effect on mitigating, if not preventing the spread of COVID in our schools during the early stages of the pandemic and during the recent surges caused by COVID variants, we believe that, by any measurable metric, we have progressed to the point where requiring everyone to wear a mask is no longer necessary to contain the spread of COVID.
Therefore, the wearing of masks will be optional in our schools, at school related functions, and on school buses effective Wednesday, March 2nd. However, we do encourage anyone with any ongoing health concerns, whether for themselves or others, to continue wearing a mask and we assure you that your choice to do so will not result in being ostracized, harassed or excluded from any activity, opportunity or experience provided by the District. It is important to know that Niagara County school districts continue to consult with the Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH) and the NCDOH supports this decision to shift to masks being optional.
The lifting of the mask mandate will not change the daily practices with regards to maintaining a safe environment for all people. The continuation of daily sanitization and physical distancing will occur. In addition, isolation or quarantining/test-to-stay protocols for students and staff who test positive for COVID, are exposed to a COVID-positive individual, or who exhibit COVID-like symptoms will also continue. Please remember to practice good personal health and hygiene practices by covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing your hands with soap frequently, and stay home if experiencing COVID-like symptoms. If you would like an at home self-test kit, please contact your child’s school to make arrangements to pick up the test kit(s). Positive test results should be reported to the Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH).
Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience during the challenging times that we have faced as a learning community. Please be respectful of the choices others make related to mask wearing. Stay safe and be well.
Lockport City School District
Website: www.lockportschools.org
Location: 130 Beattie Avenue, Lockport, NY, USA
Phone: 716-478-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/LockportCitySchoolDistrict
Twitter: @LockportSchools