School District releases updated mask enforcement guidelines

MAT-SU — As each of the 47 schools in the Mat-Su Borough School District publish their site-specific COVID-19 mitigation plans for the start of school on August 19, MSBSD released additional guidance on the specifics around the mask mandate for students and staff inside of schools.

“COVID-19 can spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. That’s why it’s important for everyone to wear masks in public settings and practice social distancing,” reads the guidelines “Consistent mask use provides us the best opportunity to keep in-person learning available to students and families. Staff are expected to model proper mask use throughout the school day.”

The guidance released on Monday states that each student that chooses to receive their instruction at the school buildings will be provided their own cloth mask at the beginning of the school year. Any student or staff member who forgets their mask will be provided a single use mask upon entering the school building. Only students and staff from grades 3-12 will be required to wear masks, and students attending Pre-Kindergarten programs through 2nd grade will still be encouraged to wear a mask. Masks must be worn all times in public areas and shared workspaces by all students, staff, visitors, volunteers and facility use participants with specific instructions for mask breaks and exemptions.

“The more time students and staff spend in a mask the more effective this mitigation strategy will be at keeping schools open for in-person learning,” reads the guidance.

The guidance published by MSBSD states that each student shall be provided with an opportunity for multiple mask breaks each day as mask usage every second of every day is not reasonable. Any student who expresses trouble breathing may be provided a location where they can comply with social distancing guidelines to have a mask break. Exemptions for students and staff during the school day include when staff are alone in their office or classroom, when students or staff are outside or during high intensity physical activity, and eating. Furthermore, individuals who are incpacitated or otherwise unable to remove their own facemask are not required to wear face coverings, nor are children younger than two. Students who have existing underlying conditions must submit medical documentation to the school nurse for a mask exemption. The guidance also addresses the possibility of student refusal to wear masks in school buildings.

“Students who forget their mask will be provided with a mask for the day.Students who refuse to wear their mask in school, or students whose parents will not allow them to wear a mask based upon their family’ preference will be contacted by school administration to arrange for at-home learning,” reads the guidance.