COVID Update
September 30, 2021
Mask Order Rescinded
Good afternoon, Otsego families,
We want to share important information from the state and county level.
In a press conference yesterday Governor Whitmer signed the state budget. The state budget contained boilerplate language prohibiting the local county health department from issuing or enforcing any orders or other directives that require an individual who is under the age of 18 to wear a face mask or face covering. The communication over the past few weeks related to this topic with educational leaders was that there would be a line-item veto to this language. Governor Whitmer didn’t veto this but declared it unconstitutional and unenforceable.
We have been informed by the Allegan County Health Department the mask order is rescinded as of 5:00pm today. Therefore, Otsego Public Schools will return to masks being optional for students and staff starting tomorrow for Kindergarten through 12th grade; however, due to the federal mandate, face masks will still be required on school buses.
Families who have enrolled their students in Otsego Virtual Academy because of the mask mandate will need to stay enrolled in OVA but can request to be transferred back to in-person at the end of the 1st trimester.
As we move forward, Otsego Public Schools will continue to monitor our building data and post that information to our COVID-19 Updates webpage. I would ask that if your student is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms listed below that you keep them home and get tested to reduce the risk of any spread or outbreak. Those symptoms include:.
- Fever or chills,
- Cough,
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
- Fatigue,
- Muscle or body aches,
- Headache,
- New loss of taste or smell,
- Sore throat,
- Congestion or runny nose,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- or Diarrhea
We have had a great start to our school year and our goal is to keep our buildings open for the remainder of the year. I hope you have a great weekend and we appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Jeffery S. Haase, Superintendent
Otsego Public Schools
Allegan County Health Department News Release and Rescinded Order
Otsego Public Schools
Email: returntolearn@otsegops.org
Website: otsegops.org
Location: 400 Sherwood St, Otsego, MI, USA
Phone: 269-694-7900
Facebook: facebook.com/otsegops
Twitter: @otsegoschools