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MA Releases Mask Recommendations for Schools in Fall

By TWIW Staff | July 30, 2021
Last Updated: July 31, 2021

Massachusetts state agencies released guidance for schools on Friday, July 30, to outline recommendations on masking protocols for this fall.

The state requires all districts and schools to be in-person, full-time, five days a week this fall. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [DESE] announced on May 27, it lifted for fall all previously released DESE health and safety requirements.

DESE and the Department of Public Health [DPH] strongly recommended the following or schools when fall sessions begin:

  • All students in kindergarten through grade 6 wear masks when indoors, except students who cannot do so due to medical conditions or behavioral needs
  • Masks are unnecessary outdoors
  • Unvaccinated staff in all grades, unvaccinated students in grades 7 and above, and unvaccinated visitors wear masks indoors, in alignment with the statewide advisory on masking

DESE and DPH also made the following recommendations:

  • Schools allow vaccinated students to remain unmasked
  • Any individual at higher risk for severe COVID-related disease or with a similar household member is encouraged to mask
  • Any child or family who prefers to mask at school should be supported in this choice
  • All students and staff are required to wear masks on school buses at this time
  • Staff and students must wear masks while in school health offices.

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