Ringgold changes mask rules for students
By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
As the Ringgold School District prepares for a Sept. 1 start date for students — both in classrooms and remotely — officials continue to answer questions and address the state health department’s guidelines and new orders concerning the coronavirus pandemic.
In correspondence released Monday, Acting Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich said the district has changed its guidelines regarding students wearing masks while in class.
On Aug. 17, Pennsylvania’s Department of Health recommended that students wear face masks at all times, even when 6 feet of social distancing is possible. A prior order, released July 1, said students could remove their masks when 6 feet of distance was maintained.
“Our answer to the question about masks has now changed in response to the latest order which was recently provided by the Secretary of Health,” Skrinjorich said. “In this newest order, masks must be worn at all times in school, even when 6 feet of social distancing can be achieved.”
According to Skrinjorich, the district will follow the department of health’s exceptions where students can remove their masks, including eating or drinking when spaced at least 6 feet apart; when wearing a face covering creates an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task; 10-minute “face-covering breaks” with students 6 feet apart; a student has a medical or mental health condition or disability, documented in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Individuals with Disabilities Act, that precludes the wearing of a face covering in school. Accommodations for such students should be made in partnership with the student’s health care provider, school nurse, and individualized education program/504 team.
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