Shaker Schools New COVID-19 Policies Start Tuesday

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Shaker Heights Schools will loosen its district-wide mask policies starting Tuesday.

COVID-19 face masks will now be optional for students in PreK-12th grade and staff, visitors and volunteers working indoors at the Shaker Heights Schools. However, due to federal guidelines, mask wearing will still be required on all school buses and on buses used for all field trips and extracurricular activities.

"While our protocols have been necessary during times of increased COVID-19 spread, it is also important to ease these during low transmission periods within our community," the district said in a statement. "Many other area schools and school districts are adjusting their protocols accordingly. Additionally, the CDC has indicated it may loosen its mask guidance in the coming days. "

Any student or staffer who returns to school after a COVID-19 diagnosis, and a five-day isolation period, will be required to wear a mask indoors for another five days (instead of quarantining for 10 days).

Students who were exposed to COVID-19 or had close contact with someone diagnosed as having COVID-19 will be required to wear a mask for 10 days, under the state's Mask-to-Stay policy.

Families should continue to report any new COVID-19 cases through the Shaker Heights Schools COVID-19 reporting form.