Hopkinton High School First In State To Remove Mask Mandate

HOPKINTON, MA — Hopkinton High School has become the first school in the state to drop the COVID-19 mask mandate.

98% of the school is vaccinated, which is far higher than the 80% needed to be able to suggest removing the mask mandate.

Individual middle and high schools in Massachusetts are allowed to lift the indoor mask requirement if they can prove at least 80% of students and staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

This decision comes 10 days after the school received approval to potentially remove the masks, prompting a school-wide vote in favor of their elimination Thursday.

Though some school members are worried about the upcoming holidays and flu season, so this mask-free time comes with a three-week trial.

From Nov. 1 through Nov 19, vaccinated students will not have to mask up, though the mandate will return for the week of Nov. 22 for Thanksgiving and travel.

The mandate decision will be revisited after students return from the holiday.

Unvaccinated students and faculty are still expected to wear masks.