Erie’s Public Schools is updating its masking policy in accordance with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines issued Friday.
Under the new guidance, healthy people living in counties with low- or medium- levels of COVID-19 transmission do not need to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals in high-risk areas are still encouraged to wear masks indoors, including in schools.
Erie’s Public Schools Health and Safety Plan follows CDC Covid-19 guidance. As such, the district will suspend its universal masking requirement during periods of low- to medium transmission risk, effective immediately. As of Feb. 25, Erie County is an area of medium transmission risk, which means students and staff will not currently be required to wear masks in EPS buildings and schools. Please note that students who were in isolation or quarantine and return to school still will be required to wear masks until the tenth day of their isolation or quarantine period.
Universal masking may resume if Erie County’s transmission level increases to “high,” dependent on guidance from the CDC and the Erie County Department of Health. In that event, all families will be notified as soon as possible.
Any student or staff member who would like to continue wearing a mask is welcomed and encouraged to do so. Masks will continue to be available to all who need or want them at all EPS schools. All Erie’s Public Schools staff and students are asked to continue practicing other COVID-19 health and safety protocols currently in place, including social distancing, proper and thorough handwashing, and staying home when sick.
The district’s complete Health and Safety Plan is available at eriesd.org.
