Andover School Mask Mandate To Remain In Place To Mid-January

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Public Schools will follow the state mask mandate and require face coverings until at least mid-Jan. 2022, the district said Wednesday.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Tuesday that the public school mask mandate will last until at least Jan. 15, 2022, past the prior deadline of Nov. 1.

Andover does not intend to apply for a waiver.

"While DESE has offered the opportunity for districts to apply for a waiver of the mask mandate, APS currently does not have plans to do so, given we are unable to ascertain accurate data on staff vaccination rates and have a number of families with children at all levels in the district," Superintendent Magda Parvey said in a letter to the community.

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The district will continue to follow the School Committee's face coverings policy.

"Last week, APS Director of Nursing Rita Casper provided an update on the district’s mask mandate during the October 21st School Committee meeting, noting that masks in all school buildings have been a successful strategy to keeping our students in school," Parvey said. "The COVID-19 mitigation strategies and protocols the district has in place are to protect all students and staff in our buildings. In addition, with the expected announcement of vaccine availability for children ages 5-11 in the coming weeks, an extension of the mask requirement would allow time for this student population to receive the vaccine, should families choose."

"Andover Director of Public Health Tom Carbone also noted that while COVID-19 numbers have been relatively stable in the community, the Board of Health feels it would be prudent to continue wearing masks through the upcoming holidays," Parvey added.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.