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BOSTON – Masks will now be mandatory in public schools across the state after education officials voted on the measure Tuesday morning.
Education Commissioner Jeff Riley has requested permission to implement the mandate, which requires all school staff and students, K-12, to wear masks indoors when they return at school in the fall at least until October 1.
The policy applies to children five years of age or older.
After October 1, the mandate would be lifted for middle and high school students vaccinated but only if at least 80% of students and staff have been vaccinated in their building. Unvaccinated students should always wear masks.
Exceptions include students who cannot wear masks due to medical conditions or behavioral needs.
“As students and staff prepare to return to school full-time, in person, our priority is a smooth reopening,” Riley said in a statement. “With the increase in cases, this mask mandate will provide one more measure to support the health and safety of our students and staff this fall. “
Riley says he will review it “in the near future” and “revise it as public health data warrants.”
[ Which Massachusetts cities and towns are requiring masks? ]
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