Masks won’t be required in Mass. schools under new guidelines released by education officials
Masks will not be required in Massachusetts schools when students and staff return to the classroom for the new school year, according to new COVID-19 guidelines released by the state on Monday.
“The Commonwealth is not recommending universal mask requirements, surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals, contact tracing, or test-to-stay testing in schools,” Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley and Department of Public Health Commissioner Margaret Cooke announced in an updated memorandum. “Districts and schools are reminded that there is no longer any statewide masking mandate in schools and there is no testing requirement for schools.”
Schools will be permitted to implement masking and testing programs to address any COVID-related issues that might arise, according to Riley.
DESE and DPH strongly recommend that all faculty, staff, and students, including the youngest children ages 6 months – 5 years, receive the COVID-19 vaccine primary series and all boosters, as they become eligible for them.
Throughout August and September, DPH is offering free family-friendly vaccine clinics to prepare teachers, staff, students, and family members for going back to school.
In addition to recommending vaccination against COVID-19, officials are also urging children and adults to get their flu shot in an effort to reduce the number of students and staff who need to stay home due to illness.
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