Governor Baker Says School Mask Mandate Is Coming To An End

Thanks to the quickness of word spreading on social media, I'm sure that many of you have already heard about this by now even though the press conference was just a short while ago.

Earlier today, Governor Charlie Baker made the announcement that tons of people have been waiting to hear regarding public schools, students, and the wearing of facial coverings.

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In a media statement courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(DESE), the statewide mask mandate for K-12 schools will end on the last day of the month, February 28. I'm sure many are glad that 2022 is not a leap year.

The lifting of the mask requirement also goes for child care providers, as well. After the 28th, DESE along with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health "recommend students and faculty wear masks in certain scenarios consistent with" the already established COVID protocols, according to the media statement.

It was also recently announced that Massachusetts leads all states nationally in overall vaccination numbers. Governor Baker had this to say as part of the statement:

With Massachusetts a national leader in vaccinating kids, combined with our robust testing programs, it is time to lift the mask mandate in schools and give students and staff a sense of normalcy after dealing with enormous challenges over the past two years. We have all the tools to keep schools safe as we move into dealing with the next phase of managing COVID.

Just a few things to keep in mind. First, the lifting of the school mask mandate does not mean it's a guarantee for your child's school or school district. Different rules and requirements can still be made locally. Second, the lifting of the mask requirement in no way changes the order for wearing masks on school buses. That is a federal order and that will continue, at least for the foreseeable future.

For more detailed information, check out the media statement for yourself by clicking here.