Good Afternoon Everyone,
Attached to this email are two documents that we will soon post on our DESE COVID-19 Guidance page. The first is an announcement that the mask requirement in schools will be extended until at least November 1. The second document states that as of October 15, if a school demonstrates a vaccination rate of 80 percent or more of all students and staff, then vaccinated individuals in that school would no longer be subject to the state mask requirement. Whether or not a school or district avails themselves of the 80 percent vaccination off ramp is a local decision to be made by school and district leaders in consultation with local health officials.
We will continue to share updates with you, and I thank you for all you are doing to keep students healthy and in school.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey C. Riley
Commissioner