Boise Students Back To Masks

BOISE, ID — With reported numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rising in Boise, the Boise School District voted to reinstate a mask mandate after a Special Board meeting Tuesday evening.

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Immediately following the decision, the district released the following statement:

"Following a Special Board meeting today, the Boise School District announced that effective immediately it is updating its Fall 2021 COVID-19 Response Plan to require all students and staff to wear face masks while indoors, as well at any event where physical distancing is impractical.

The Board reviewed guidance from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local data regarding the increased levels of community transmission of COVID-19.

“We know from last school year that face masks work to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Boise School Board President Dave Wagers. “We’re disappointed that we have been forced to take what feels like a step backwards, but our top priority is providing students with a high-quality education in a safe and effective learning environment.”

“Requiring everyone in our schools to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status, along with other proven mitigation measures, is the safest way for us to provide in-person school, five-days-a-week,” added Boise School District Superintendent Coby Dennis.

Quarantine will not be required if a student is exposed to COVID-19 in a school setting if both students are wearing a mask and the student who is a close contact has no symptoms, according to Central District Health.

The Boise School District will continue to monitor the COVID-19 health crisis, and consult with local and state health officials in considering possible changes or modifications to the District’s COVID-19 Response Plan, as needed. The start of the 2021-2022 school year in the Boise School District begins on Monday, August 16, 2021."

The moves comes as the West Ada School District is facing criticism from a parents' group for not implementing mandatory masks.

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