Massachusetts Extends School Mask Mandate

MALDEN, MA — State officials have extended the mask mandate for students, staff and visitors in public K-12 schools, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said Monday.

The requirement has been extended a month to Nov. 1, but schools may be exempt if they prove a vaccination rate of 80 percent or higher by Oct. 15, according to the latest order.

"Whether or not a school or district avails themselves of the 80 percent vaccination off ramp is a local decision to be made by school and district leaders in consultation with local health officials," the order read in part. "In alignment with statewide guidance, unvaccinated students and staff would be required to continue wearing masks."

The 80 percent threshold will be calculated on a school-by-school basis and must include enrolled students and regular staff. This not only applies to teachers but to food service workers, tutors, coaches, after-school staff and anyone "regularly providing in-school services," DESE said.

The department provided information on how schools can collect vaccination data from students and staff and submit an attestation form for approval.