In alignment with the current Department of Elementary & Secondary Education guidelines, last night the MERSD School Committee voted to rescind its mask policy effective February 28, 2022. Maintaining a safe environment is critical to the District’s ability to ensure students remain in a full-time classroom learning environment, and masking is strongly supported and encouraged for all who wish to continue with this mitigation practice. Masks will still be available in all schools. Additionally, MERSD will continue the at-home testing program, and all are encouraged to enroll. MERSD Student At-Home Testing Opt-In / MERSD Staff At-Home Testing Opt-In
Although masks will become optional for students and staff there are circumstances when they are still required. 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.
By federal public health order, all students and staff are required to wear a mask on school buses.
MERSD will continue to monitor COVID-related regulations and make adjustments to district protocols in accordance with the guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and our local Boards of Health.
In alignment with MERSD’s Strategic Plan core value of creating, a just and equitable environment that respects individual differences and the diversity of, our communities, country, and world, I ask that as we transition to this next phase of COVID management all members of the MERSD community work to support each other, consider the community implication of personal decisions, and value each other's personal choice in this matter.
