Schools
North Andover School Committee Will Discuss Mask Mandate Feb. 17
The district's mask mandate currently remains in place regardless of the Feb. 28 expiration of the state requirement.
NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover school officials will meet Feb. 17 to discuss whether to follow the state and lift the district's mask mandate.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that the state requirement will end Feb. 28, leaving mask policies up to districts.
The North Andover School Committee voted in August to put in place an indoor mask requirement, affirming the state policy at the time. That policy has not been rescinded, meaning it remains in place regardless of the state rule expiring.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The North Andover Face Covering Policy will be discussed at the next scheduled School Committee Thursday, February 17th," the district said Wednesday. "More information will be provided when it becomes available."
North Andover officials have in recent weeks been discussing a potential policy change for schools that reach 80 percent vaccination. Those schools are already eligible to lift mask mandates, with state waivers.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As of Thursday, 64 percent of residents 5 to 19 were fully vaccinated, according to state data. Sixteen percent were boosted.
Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.
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