Universal Masking When CMS Students Return To Class Next Month

CHARLOTTE, NC — When students and teachers return to classrooms in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools next month, wearing a mask will be mandatory, school leaders decided Friday.

In a special meeting held Friday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to approve the universal masking policy for all CMS schools and educational office buildings for the 2021-2022 school year, effective immediately.

The decision follows guidance updated this week by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services calling for mandatory face coverings in all K-12 schools.

SEE ALSO: NC Makes Decision Regarding School Mask Policy For Upcoming Year

“This decision aligns with local and state guidance, as well as national guidelines, which address the Delta variants of COVID-19,” Elyse Dashew, chair of the Board of Education, said in a statement. “The infection numbers in our county are cause for serious concern — and significant precautions to protect our students and staff.”

The decision follows a recommendation made by CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston, who urged the decision in the interest of protecting the health of students and staff.

SEE ALSO: NC To Require Vaccination Proof From State Workers: Gov. Cooper

“The Delta variant is causing alarm for public health officials and medical professionals. It’s more contagious. It’s apparently more dangerous in terms of severity,” Winston said in a statement. “Infection rates around the country, in our state and in our area are rising rapidly. Hospitalizations are likewise increasing at rapid rates."

While the universal masking policy was approved for the entire school year, Winston will review its need amid local metrics at the end of every quarter, CMS said.

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