FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Despite recommendations from public health officials, one local school said masks are discretionary, not mandatory.
When Sudbury Valley School reopened for the fall semester, not all students will be covering their faces. That is because private schools do not have to abide by the state safety guidelines that public schools do.
Framingham Health Director Sam Wong said he is trying to work with them on a mask mandate, but it's not in his control.
"Private schools are only encouraged to follow the same guidance, but they are not mandated by the state," he said.
Wong is concerned that the problems behind the students not wearing masks will extend outside of the school, and could potentially cause problems for the entire city.
"But also the time that they are not in school, make sure that they are following the prevention measures that have been talked about for several months," Wong said.
He said most private schools are following the state model. Sudbury Valley School has declined to comment on this story.
WBZ NewsRadio's Matt Shearer (@MattWBZ) reports:
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