Mask Mandates Extended In Region 4 Schools

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — Superintendent of Region 4 Schools, Brian White, sent the following letter out, via e-mail to community parents:

"Dear Families and Staff,

As I shared in my August 12th, 2021 welcome back letter to communities, since the start of the 2021-22 school year, masks have been required indoors for all students, staff and visitors to our schools and must be worn indoors and while riding the bus by all individuals (age 2 or older) regardless of vaccination status. This requirement was in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 13A, the DPH order issued pursuant to Executive Order 13A, and the concurrent recommendations of our local health departments. As I also communicated in that letter, Executive Order No. 13A was to remain in effect through September 30, 2021 unless earlier modified or terminated.

I am writing to inform you that the Governor has recently issued Executive Order No. 14 which extends the duration of Executive Order 13A and its masking requirements, as outlined above, to remain in effect through February 15, 2022 unless earlier modified or terminated or unless individual orders or extensions contained herein are disapproved pursuant to Special Act 21-5.

An additional school-related requirement that Executive Order No. 14 also extends to remain in effect through February 15, 2022 includes the one stated in Executive Order 13G requiring preK-12 school workers to get vaccinated, with weekly test-out options for those hired before September 27th.

We understand that these are important topics for everyone, and we will communicate any updates as more information becomes available from the State of Connecticut regarding the requirements for schools.

If you have specific questions about our COVID-19 related procedures, please direct them to our District COVID-19 liaison, Sarah Smalley, Director of Pupil Services. She may be reached at ssmalley@reg4.k12.ct.us.

Regards,

Brian J. White
Superintendent of Schools"