Grayson County Schools (GCS) has slightly strengthened its masking recommendations for students and staff on the heels of the Kentucky Department for Public Health and Gov. Andy Beshear strongly encouraging school districts to require mask wearing while inside school buildings due to rapidly rising case numbers in Kentucky.
“Grayson County Schools is committed to providing full-week, in-person learning, in a manner that is safe for both students and staff, while also providing individual and family options and choice to the extent possible,” the school district said in a statement. “The district is also committed to following guidance and updates of the CDC and Kentucky Dept. for Public Health, along with the layered prevention strategies recommended and/or required to safely keep our students in the classroom.”
One week ago, GCS issued the following mask guidelines:
- Any staff or student who wishes to continue to wear a mask in any situation should feel free to do so. Masks will be provided if needed.
- Staff and students who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask during the school day.
- It is highly recommended that staff and students who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks while indoors.
Based on updated Kentucky Department for Public Health guidance (issued on Thursday) and CDC Public Health Order, on Friday the district released the following masking update:
- Although masks will remain optional regardless of vaccination status, they are now highly recommended for both students and staff at all times, and especially in those situations when three feet of distancing cannot be maintained.
- Masks are required when traveling by school bus, which is considered a form of public transportation and covered by CDC Public Health Order, unless an individual is specifically exempted by disability or medical condition.
All guidance is and will continue to be subject to change based on new information, public health considerations, and/or Executive or Public Health Order, GCS said.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
