EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral reports that as of today, face masks are optional for all students and staff in Easton Public School buildings. Additionally, masks will be optional on all school vehicles beginning tomorrow, March 1.
On Thursday, Feb. 17 during its regular meeting, the Easton School Committee discussed and accepted a modified district masking policy. The updated policy aligns with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) latest masking protocols, which allowed the statewide school mask mandate to expire without further renewal today.
The updated policy makes masking optional for students and staff in all schools, beginning today. As part of the policy, masking is optional for physical education, pre-kindergarten, all athletics and activities, performance and athletics audiences, and school visitors.
Masks remain mandatory for singing along with the use of bell covers for instruments when in close proximity. In line with state and federal guidance, masks will also remain required in all school health offices and for those who return to school after illness.
Staff and students should continue to self-monitor for and report any COVID-19-like symptoms, and stay home if they are sick. It is strongly recommended that unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals continue to wear a mask.
Additionally, effective Feb. 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer requires masking on school-operated buses or vans. To allow for a proper transition period and coordination with bus companies, the Easton Public Schools will be making masks optional on all school vehicles beginning tomorrow, March 1.
“We are grateful to our students, staff and families for their support and cooperation throughout the pandemic as we have updated our policies and guidance,” Superintendent Cabral said. “Our priority is to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment. Though masking is now optional, we understand that some in our community may choose to still wear a mask and we will support those individual choices however we can as we navigate this transition.”
The district’s latest masking requirements can be found here.
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