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EBCFA Face Coverings

File:  EBCFA

SHUTESBURY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

FACE COVERINGS

The Shutesbury School District is committed to providing a safe environment in schools during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining a safe environment is critical to the District's ability to ensure students remain in a full-time classroom learning environment.

According to public health experts, one of the best ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and to keep members of our school community safe is the use of face masks or face coverings.  Therefore, in accordance with guidance and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the following requirements are in place until further notice.

A face covering that covers the nose and mouth is strongly recommended to be worn by individuals who remain unvaccinated or are otherwise immunocompromised in school buildings, and on school grounds, even when social distancing is observed. 

Individuals who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask, but may do so if desired.

Students and staff returning from 5 day quarantine following a positive COVID test must follow strict mask use, other than when eating, drinking, or outside, and conduct active monitoring for symptoms, through day 10 of exposure.

Masks will be required in all school health offices.

Guidance Statements:  Massachusetts Department of Public Health

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements#mask-requirements-in-certain-locations-

https://search.mass.gov/?q=school+health+offices

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Guidance for Covid-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools Updated April 28, 2023

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-childcare-guidance.html

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Updated August 15, 2022 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-exposure-guidance-for-children-and-staff-in-child-care-k-12-out-of-school-time-ost-and-recreational-campprogram-settings#overview-

SOURCE:  MASC - May 2023 - updated Guidance Links

Edited by Shutesbury Policy Committee: 10/19/23
First Reading by Shutesbury School Committee: 11-30-23
Second Reading, First Vote by Shutesbury School Committee: 12-21-23
Final Vote by Shutesbury School Committee: 1-18-24