Last evening, in response to continued lower rates of COVID-19 infection, the
School Committee voted to move to “less masking” effective March 14, 2022. The
use of the term "less masking" acknowledges that mask wearing is still required
in certain situations, outlined below. In addition, it acknowledges that many
individuals, both students and families, will continue to choose to wear masks
for a variety of reasons and this will be supported in our schools.
The school administration, the School Committee, and the Lincoln Board of
Health all acknowledge that this decision is not taken lightly and that the
unique circumstances of individuals and families in our communities may require
that they continue to wear masks. We recognize that policies apply to all
individuals equally and do not provide the ability to tailor expectations for
each individual’s needs and this can be challenging. We recognize that
mask-wearing is one of the tools we have to limit spread of respiratory
infections, but as the rate of positive cases in our schools is at a very low
level right now, we are weighing the risks of reducing masking with the
learning and social-emotional benefits of not requiring the wearing of masks.
The decision to move to “less masking” was made after careful consideration of
the data regarding COVID cases and trends in our schools and communities along
with guidance from the CDC, EEC (Early Education and Care), MA DPH, DESE,
Hanscom AFB Leadership, and the Lincoln Board of Health. In addition, we
consulted with our district physician and other healthcare providers. As you
can see in our slide presentation
<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/AYUy41dpT2Dl7w166bN_xg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRkDHtpP0R1aHR0cHM6Ly9tc2cuc2Nob29sbWVzc2VuZ2VyLmNvbS9tLz9zPVdEeDNnZ2RCUXJBJm1hbD0xYTc2NzNjYTk2YjZjNzMzZGVmYjJjNTliMDVlNTk5ZTc0YzkyYWM5MmQwMjcwZGYwNGNiNmYxNGJhMDkwMmM1VwdzY2hvb2xtQgpiKulHK2IsL6X3UhVzdmh0YXlsb3JAY29tY2FzdC5uZXRYBAAAAAE~>
, the number of COVID cases in our schools are very low at this time which
warrants a change to the practices in our schools.
We will continue to monitor our COVID cases on a daily basis as well as
monitoring our trends over time. As necessary, we will make decisions about
reinstating mask requirements on a classroom, grade level, school or district
level in order to minimize or stop potential spread of the virus. Decisions
may include a short-term, temporary mask requirement or a longer term
requirement depending upon the circumstances of the positive case rates and
distribution of the cases.
Beginning on March 14, 2022, the wearing of masks in our schools, on buses, and
on our campuses will be optional with the following exceptions:
Mask wearing is required/necessary:
In Nurse’s offices and healthcare settings (per MA DPH)
For all individuals in days 6-10 following a positive COVID test result, indoors
When directed by a school nurse for health and safety reasons
Mask wearing is strongly recommended:
For unvaccinated individuals (per MA DPH/DESE)
For individuals with health risks
All individuals are welcome to wear masks at any time and a culture of support
and acceptance for those continuing to wear masks is the expectation
--
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