Washington schools begin shift to mask-optional approach for students
Mar 14, 2022, 9:54 AM | Updated: 10:09 am
Two first grade students talk in the back of class at the Green Mountain School on Feb. 18, 2021 in Woodland, Washington. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
Monday marks the first time since in-person instruction resumed during the COVID-19 pandemic that students in Washington are not required to mask up in schools.
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The Washington State Department of Health first announced in early March that schools, child care facilities, and day camps would be following the rest of the state in lifting indoor masking requirements on March 12. But while the DOH cited a need to maintain the social and emotional health of students, others have been critical of the move.
That includes the Seattle Education Association (SEA) — the union representing teachers in Seattle Public Schools — which stated that it was “deeply disappointed” with the decision to lift the student mask mandate, accusing Seattle Superintendent Brent Jones of violating an agreed-upon memorandum of understanding.
“The District cannot unilaterally ignore an agreed-upon MOU, and now is leaving educators scrambling with just days before lifting the mask mandate. … Clearly, SPS misled us,” a written statement from the SEA reads.
That said, some parents have expressed relief at the new mask-optional guidelines.
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“(I’m) relieved. I know my older son doesn’t like to wear them. He doesn’t like to talk a lot with the mask on. So, if he chooses not to wear it, he’d maybe be more vocal in class,” parent Rachel Jensen told KIRO 7 TV.
“We’re really excited for the opportunity to make the choice,” agreed fellow parent Lindsay Janiec.
For the time being, Washington schools will instead shift to a “layered approach” to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. That includes close tracking and reporting of new cases, access to timely diagnostic testing, and encouraging students to continue distancing in classrooms whenever possible.
A complete listing of school requirements and guidelines from the state can be found here.
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