The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently released its recommendations on masking, COVID-19 testing and quarantine protocols for Massachusetts schools this fall. The guidance was developed jointly with the Department of Public Health (DPH).

All districts and schools will be required to be in-person, full-time, five days a week this fall.

As for masking, COVID-19 testing and quarantine protocols, DESE considers these updated guidelines as recommendation for school districts and these districts should make decisions based on their own particular circumstances.

Mask recommendations:

  • This fall, DESE and DPH strongly recommend that 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 not necessary outdoors and may be removed while eating indoors.
  • DESE and DPH also strongly recommend that 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 recommend that schools allow vaccinated students to remain unmasked.
  • Any individual at higher risk for severe disease from COVID or with a household member who is at high risk is encouraged to mask regardless of vaccination status consistent with the updated DPH Advisory on Face Coverings and Masks (July 30, 2021).
  • Any child or family who prefers to mask at school should be supported in this choice.
  • By federal public health order, all students and staff are required to wear masks on school buses at this time.
  • All staff and students must wear masks while in school health offices. Additional guidance for school health professionals is forthcoming from DPH.

Back to school vaccination clinics:

 

A number of schools have hosted vaccination clinics on campus since May. As a result, DESE and DPH are urging all schools, and in particular those with vaccination rates below the Massachusetts state average, to host an on-site vaccination clinic during summer orientation events or when classes begin.

According to a DESE statement released on Friday, July 30th, these on-campus clinics have served as an important tool to vaccinate all eligible Massachusetts residents because vaccination clinics at schools make access to vaccines easier and more convenient for students and their families. A DPH-approved mobile vaccination provider, including clinic staff and vaccination administrators, will be provided free of charge. Interested schools can submit their request via DPH’s online form: COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Program | Mass.gov.

To view the full guidance, visit https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop.html.