Masks Required In ISD 196 Buildings Beginning Monday

APPLE VALLEY, MN — At a special meeting Thursday, Independent School District 196's School Board approved the 2021-22 COVID-19 Operational Plan, meaning masks will be required for all students, staff and visitors over the age of two beginning Monday.

This is due to the CDC's COVID-19 transmission matrix saying that Dakota County is currently at the "high transmission" level, the district said.

Face masks will move to "recommended" instead of "required" when Dakota County's transmission level drops to "moderate" for seven consecutive days, or if additional guidance is provided, the district said.