Harris County School District changes coronavirus mask policy for students, employees
The Harris County School District has changed its policy about whether and when students and employees must wear masks when the fall 2020 semester opens amid the coronavirus pandemic.
During the school board’s meeting Thursday night, the board approved the following protocols:
- When unable to socially distance by at least six feet, all faculty and staff must wear a mask. A face shield also may be worn but can’t replace a face covering.
- All students and employees must wear a mask on a school bus.
- In grades 5-12, when unable to socially distance by at least 6 feet, all students must wear a mask.
- In prekindergarten through fourth grade, all students are encouraged to wear a mask..
- Exceptions will be guided by special-education plans and medical directives.
- Masks won’t be required during breakfast and lunch.
The previously announced policy about masks encouraged students and employees to wear them but required them in only certain circumstances.
This change comes, according to HCSD’s news release, after superintendent Roger Couch learned July 17 that Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order July 15, titled “Empowering a Healthy Georgia,” gives school districts the authority to require masks.
As a result of this change, HCSD has extended the deadline to July 27 for parents and guardians to choose the learning mode for their children. They may choose on-campus school, virtual school or withdraw from the district. The district’s first day of class for the fall 2020 semester is Aug. 10.
A recording of the board meeting, including a presentation of local COVID-19 data monitored by HCSD leaders, is on the district’s YouTube channel.
The mask policy in the Chattahoochee County School District also is on track to change before the semester starts.
The current ChattCo plan states that face coverings are “expected and highly encouraged,” but superintendent Kristie Brooks told the Ledger-Enquirer the revised plan she will recommend during the school board’s July 28 meeting includes mandatory masks on buses and in group settings inside buildings.
The reopening plan in the Muscogee County School District already requires masks to be worn by all students, employees and visitors at Columbus public schools, except during the following situations:
- Outside where social distancing can be achieved
- “Mask Down Zones” in classrooms where students can safely but temporarily remove masks
- While eating.
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 1:21 PM.
