BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker announced that the school mask mandate will not be extended and will be lifted on Feb. 28.

 

"Given the extremely low risk for young people, the widespread availability and the proven effectiveness of vaccines, and the distribution of accurate test protocols and tests, it is time to give our kids of sense of normalcy and lift the mask mandate on a statewide basis for schools," Baker said during a press conference Wednesday with Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffery Riley

 

In early January, the requirement for face coverings in K-12 public schools was extended through Feb. 28. This was the third extension since October.

 

Previously, schools that meet an 80 percent vaccination threshold could discontinue masking for those who are vaccinated. The state will no longer accept these waivers.

 

Baker said guidance will be issued to school districts for using masks in specific scenarios. He added that the Department of Early Education and Care is also updating its guidance to be in line with DESE.

 

Baker said communities can still maintain their own local regulations if they so well choose. This decision coincides with winter break, giving school districts time to make decisions that would go into effect when students return to school.

 

Riley said, per federal regulation, masks must still be worn on school buses. Also, DESE does not oversee the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). He said MIAA will make its own announcement in the future.

 

Riley said the decision was made after consulting with health professionals, experts and officials. 

 

"Over the past few years, the impacts of COVID have caused a strain on students' mental health, emotional well-being, and academic success," he said. "We are glad to be in a place where we can provide students with some additional relief from COVID-19 restrictions."

 

Baker added that with high vaccination rates in the state, robust testing infrastructure, constant surveillance, and progressive guidance it was time to relax more restrictions. The state is currently at 79 percent of residents being fully vaccinated; in the Berkshires, 76 percent of those age 5 and older are fully vaccinated.

 

Specifically for schools, he said the Commonwealth has the second-highest child vaccination rate in the country. He that in general there are low transmission rates in schools and younger people have lesser effects if they do contract COVID-19.

 

"It is the hard work of so many parents, educators, and kids here in Massachusetts that makes it possible to give our kids what they deserve," Baker said. "The familiar, welcoming, nurturing classroom that they are used to."

 

Riley said it is important to support teachers, students, and staff who choose to continue to wear masks.

 

"We ask all school leaders and students to make sure they respect all individual choices around mask-wearing," he said. "Please make sure to create a supportive environment that respects everyone's choices."

 

Baker said the commonwealth will continue the supporting measures put in place and said they will support any school district that wants to host a vaccination clinic.

 

"We will continue to bring vaccines to every corner of the state and to every school district that is interested in hosting clinics," he said. "So that every family that wants one knows how to get one, and we will continue…to provide schools with the best possible testing resources." 

 

Baker said they have "pulled out every stop" to make schools safe and guidance will continue to evolve and progress as the Commonwealth continues to react to the changing pandemic that will "be with us for the foreseeable future."

 

Riley added that DESE will continue to monitor health data in schools and act accordingly.

 

"If we learned anything about COVID is that we always have to be ready, and we will act as necessary depending on what happens in the future," he said.