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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – The state has extended its mask mandate for students by another month.
The original mandate, officially implemented on August 25, was set to expire on October 1.
However, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has decided to extend the mandate until November 1. This applies to all students in grades K through 12 (age five and older) as well as teachers and staff.
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Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said wearing a mask is an important additional step to keep students safely in school at this time. He will revisit the requirement in the future as warranted by public health data.
Starting October 15, local school districts can remove the mandate for middle and high schools that reach an 80% vaccination threshold. Unvaccinated students and staff however would have to continue wearing face coverings.
Exceptions to the mandate are made for students who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) has more:
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