With a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and Centers for Disease Control guidance recommending unvaccinated Americans continue masking up in many situations, a familiar debate is playing out over masking policy in schools. But district leaders in Fayette County say they’ve been staying the course.
On Monday Jefferson County Public Schools said it’s mandating masks indoorsfor all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students and staff on all school property. The restrictions represent an about face for the state's largest school district, which had recently lifted some masking requirements.
In Fayette County, the district says its guidance has stayed more consistent.
All unvaccinated students and staff have been and are still being asked to mask up in schools during the district's summer sessions, known as Summer Ignite. With no vaccines available for kids under 12, masks are required for all FCPS students and employees in elementary and middle schools.
At the high school level, masks are optional for those employees and students who are fully vaccinated, and mask requirements remain in place for all unvaccinated employees and students.
Facial coverings are also mandatory across the board on school buses.
Fayette County schools' COVID-19 Core Team is still drafting guidelines for the fall.
