No Decision On Masks In Malden Schools Until March

MALDEN, MA — The statewide mask mandate for public schools will expire Feb. 28, but Malden students will continue to wear face coverings for at least two weeks after that.

Mayor Gary Christenson said the school committee will revisit the district's mask policy at its next official meeting on March 7. If the requirement is rescinded, Christenson expects it will not take effect until March 14 at the earliest.

"Some of the inquiries we have received asked whether we could make our determination sooner," Christenson said in a statement Friday, "and our response has been that we want to give an opportunity for our Health Department to make an official recommendation based on the current medical data, account for any potential spike after February vacation as we saw after the winter one, as well as hear from students, parents, and staff before making an informed decision."

The next official meeting will be held Monday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.