GREENFIELD — While the statewide mask mandate for schools is expected to lift at the end of the month, Greenfield students will still be expected to wear masks at school, pending the School Committee’s review of its mask policy.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced Wednesday that the statewide mask requirement will be lifted Feb. 28, at which point local districts will have the authority to develop their own policies.
“In light of the fact that the School Committee still has a mask policy in place, Greenfield will continue,” Superintendent Christine DeBarge told committee members at the John Zon Community Center Wednesday night. “But based on what we’re seeing, DESE will start recommending some reduction in the mitigation strategies.”
The current guidance states that face coverings are required by all individuals inside school buildings, and that adults must continue to wear masks outdoors if distancing cannot be maintained.
While outdoors — whether for recess, physical education, youth sports or an outdoor learning environment — students are not required to wear face coverings.
DeBarge explained there is the option for the school district to opt-in to a program that offers at-home COVID-19 tests to teachers and students. Initially, the district chose not to due to logistics, and the fact it would eliminate the schools’ ability to participate in the “test and stay” and contact tracing programs.
She said she has reached out to Greenfield Health Director Jennifer Hoffman, Public Health Nurse Megan Tudryn and School Nurse Leader Kelly Savitri to set up a meeting to discuss COVID-19 health safety protocols moving forward.
“I will bring all those options to you folks for consideration,” she said.
The School Committee typically meets on the second Wednesday of each month.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne