Good afternoon.
I am writing to inform you of a change in our MASK MANDATE policy.
Effective immediately, masks are no longer required to be worn in our buildings. You may still choose to wear a mask if you wish to do so.
Over the past four weeks, we have only had nine positive cases of COVID among students or staff. This is a dramatic improvement over the beginning of the year. Changes in the quarantine requirements have reduced the number of quarantines for both students and staff significantly. The changes in the quarantine requirements combined with readily available vaccinations and a reduction in positive cases make the decision possible.
The Board is aware of the data and is supportive of the decision to remove the mask mandate. We still want to encourage people to become vaccinated. Vaccines reduce the spread of COVID and reduce the symptoms when someone is infected.
There is one important exception to our updated policy.
Masks are still REQUIRED to be worn on our buses. The rule is a federal requirement and we must still follow the mask requirement while riding in our buses.
Please understand that our situation may rapidly change, and we may have to return to our previous policy.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work through the school year.
Will Hampton
Superintendent, Marietta City Schools
740-374-6500