Mask-Wearing to Reduce the Risks of COVID-19
Mask-wearing is a powerful way of reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. Schools returning to in-person learning have been working diligently to create expectations, routines, and norms to ensure that masks help keep their students safe. Some examples include:
Resurgence Hall Charter School (metro Atlanta, GA) works to make wearing masks part of everyday life. Executive Director Tori Jackson-Hines, notes: “Masks are like shoes on students’ feet. It’s just something they wear.” At Resurgence Hall, students are expected to wear masks inside at all times (except while eating), even when social distancing. Ms. Hines shared that their school has not encountered a COVID-19 infection on campus for over 60 days since the start of classes – and credits their success to mask-wearing, daily health screenings, and temperature checks upon student arrival.
Coakley Middle School (Norwood, MA) takes a similar approach. Principal Dr. Margo Fraczek summarized the foundation of their approach: “If you can’t wear a mask, you can’t be in the classroom.” The school offered families and students the opportunity to opt into a fully remote instructional model, and students who choose not to wear a mask on campus are required to participate in fully remote learning.
Mask breaks are also being built into the school day across the country. Many schools use mealtimes and recess as common points in their schedules for mask breaks, and some even choose to designate additional times throughout the day for more breaks. During these times, students are asked to go outside or into an indoor space like the cafeteria, in cases of inclement weather, and spread out at least six feet apart from other people. Students are allowed to take off their masks and can participate an independent activity like reading. Some schools allow students to use their phones or other devices, and to socialize with other students as long as they maintain a safe distance during these times.
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