UPDATE: On Tuesday, the Westfield Washington Schools Superintendent said they were delaying the start of the mask mandate until Monday, August 23. It was originally supposed to begin Wednesday, August 18. The district did not immediately provide an explanation for the change in the start of the mandate.
WESTFIELD, Ind.–Westfield Washington Schools will require all teachers, students, and staff to wear masks starting Monday.
“We’re all going to mask up. Anybody who is inside a building whether it’s teachers, staff, students, or visitors, must wear a mask,” said Westfield Washington School Superintendent Paul Kaiser in a video on Monday.
Kaiser said they are following CDC guidelines.
“Students who are at least 3 feet from a person who tests positive for COVID will not have to quarantine, as long as both parties are wearing a mask,” said Kaiser.
Kaiser says masking will let them “keep more students in a safe, in-person learning environment” and give them a better chance of getting through the school year “without any major learning disruptions.”
Masks will also have to be worn regardless of vaccination status.
Bandannas will not be accepted as masks, and only select staff and students in approved situations will be allowed to wear face shields.
“We will constantly monitor the COVID rates and other information. Hopefully, those numbers will reduce and we’ll be able to get back to a school on a more traditional, normal basis,” said Kaiser.
You can see the full video from Kaiser here.
