Students must wear masks in school buildings for the rest of the school year, as state and federal guidelines state, Darien Superintendent of Schools Alan Addley told parents and staff in an email late Friday afternoon.
But students and staff are allowed to go maskless outside on school grounds, he said.
Addley wrote (boldface in original): “[E]ffective immediately, masks are no longer required for staff and students while outdoors or on school grounds. Masks will still be required to be worn on buses. For all other events taking place outdoors and on school property, masks are no longer required, regardless of vaccination status.”
Image from the CDC website
Not looming so large …
Addley made clear that the school district is following “updated guidance” from the CDC, state Department of Public Health and state Department of Education on the in-door rule.
He said guidelines from the same authorities, reviewed by school district and town health officials led to removing the outdoor masking rule.
“This is an exciting milestone to be celebrated and bodes well for a return to a regular school year in the fall,” Addley said.
— SEE ALSO: COVID-19 updates from First Selectman, Schools Nursing Director (May 20)
Full Text of Addley’s Message
The email received by Darienite.com went out at 5:40 p.m.:
May 21, 2021
Dear Families and Staff,
Good afternoon. We are tremendously happy to report that we are entering our fourth week without a reported case of COVID in our school community. This is truly great news as we near the end of the school year and transition into the summer.
As anticipated, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Connecticut State Department of Health (DPH) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) issued updated guidance about mask mandates for the school setting. Masks must continue to be worn by students and staff while indoors and upon entering/exiting the school building through the remainder of the school year.
In reviewing with our health professionals the recommendations from the CDC, CSDE, and DPH; the sustained low two-week positivity rate (0.019%) in town; and, zero cases in schools over the past four weeks; effective immediately, masks are no longer required for staff and students while outdoors or on school grounds. Masks will still be required to be worn on buses. For all other events taking place outdoors and on school property, masks are no longer required, regardless of vaccination status.
This is an exciting milestone to be celebrated and bodes well for a return to a regular school year in the fall. Thank you for supporting the consistent use of mitigation strategies in the schools through the remainder of the school year.
Wishing you an enjoyable weekend,
Sincerely,
Dr. Alan Addley, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools