Beginning Wednesday, March 2, the statewide universal mask requirement for schools has been lifted. This means that the majority of students, staff and school visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in HFM school buildings or school buses. Of course, mask wearing continues to be optional for everyone.
As you may know, health and safety guidance from the state and local health departments related to COVID-19 continues to evolve. While the latest state guidance removes the mask requirement, the following health and safety protocols remain in place:
- Regardless of vaccination status, if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 they must isolate for a full five days. Students/staff may return to school after day five if they are asymptomatic or if symptoms are resolving. For days 6-10 following a positive test, students/staff are required to wear a mask in school, including on the school bus.
- If a student/staff member has been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status it is highly recommended they wear a mask for a full 10 days following that exposure.
- State and local health officials continue to recommend testing for COVID-19 following a possible exposure. COVID-19 tests are available at school to anyone who wants one. If you need a test, please contact the administrator of your child’s program. Staff members should contact their immediate supervisor.
- Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home from school, regardless of vaccination status or recent infection, until tested and/or isolate for five days. If your student has symptoms and you aren’t sure what to do, or if you need a COVID-19 test kit, contact the school nurse at your child’s program. Staff members should contact their immediate supervisor.
As always, we remain committed to keeping our students in school, while providing a safe learning and working environment for all.
We will also continue our due diligence with regard to notifying impacted staff and families if we learn about a positive case.
As always, we remain in close contact with state and local health officials and are committed to providing staff and families with clear, updated information on the latest health and safety guidance. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to keep our students and staff healthy, and our students in school. If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 testing or other health and safety protocols, please do not hesitate to call the administrator of your child’s program or your immediate supervisor.
