North Andover Public Schools To Go Mask-Optional Feb. 28

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover Public Schools will go mask optional Feb. 28 after the School Committee voted Thursday to lift the district's mask mandate.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced Feb. 9 that the state requirement will end Feb. 28, leaving mask policies up to districts. In North Andover and most districts, that's the first day after February break.

The committee voted unanimously to lift the district mandate.

District officials, including the coronavirus task force, recommended the School Committee follow the state's lead, noting that cases are low and vaccination rates are high. Other mitigation strategies, including the recently introduced at-home testing, remain in place.

The committee also heard from public commenters who were overwhelmingly against maintaining the mask mandate.

District officials recommended that unvaccinated students and staff continue to wear masks. Sixty-five percent of North Andover residents aged 5 to 19 are fully vaccinated, according to state data.

The federal transportation mask requirement continues to apply to school buses. Masks are also required in nurses' offices and for five days following a five-day covid isolation period.

The North Andover School Committee voted in August to put in place an indoor mask requirement, affirming the state policy at the time. North Andover officials have in recent weeks been discussing a potential policy change for schools that reach 80 percent vaccination. Those schools were already eligible to lift mask mandates, with state waivers.

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