'An Important Milestone': Mamaroneck Schools Relax COVID Policies

MAMARONECK, NY — Masks are now optional for Mamaroneck United Free School District students and staff members, and the district has updated some of its other COVID-19 policies to match state guidelines.

Last night, the New York State Department of Health relaxed its COVID-19 rules for schools — though with some caveats, such as requiring anyone returning to school after COVID-19 isolation to wear a mask for a week and lessening the amount of space that warrants a "close contact."

Read more: NY's New School Mask-Optional Policy Has Fine Print

In keeping with the state's guidelines, Mamaroneck Superintendent Dr. Robert I. Shaps released the following rules for his school district:

• Masking is no longer required on our school grounds, including in classrooms, cafeterias, during extracurricular activities/sports or on school buses, with the following exceptions:
  • COVID-19 positive individuals who return to school after the required 5-day isolation period must wear a mask on days 6 through 10; mask wearing is required through the 10th day after the onset of symptoms or positive diagnosis
  • Students who visit the nurse's office due to experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID must wear a mask.
• Social distancing is no longer required (with exceptions for individuals returning from having tested positive for COVID). We will provide opportunities for distancing at lunchtime in the near-term for all students.
• Visitors are permitted in our schools providing they are feeling well and not experiencing any COVID symptoms

Read more: Mamaroneck Schools Drop Mask Mandate

"We were excited to welcome students and staff back to school this morning in a mask-optional environment," Shaps said in a letter to families on Wednesday. "While it was wonderful to see the faces of those who decided not to wear masks, we want to reiterate our emphasis on ensuring that every student (mask or no mask) feels comfortable in our schools."

Shaps said the school system's weekly surveillance testing program is still in effect for students and staff members who have opted in, and he said the district still expects students who have been out sick to test before they return to school.

"Today marks an important milestone. Our schools were shut down more than two years ago due to the pandemic," Shaps said. "We are now on our way towards a more normalized school experience for your children and look forward to a bright spring ahead — a spring full of vibrant and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful social interactions."