Central Bucks Loosens Masking Rules During Recess

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Students at Central Bucks schools can take off their masks and breathe fresh air during recess and outdoor gym classes.

The school board approved the change to the district's health and safety plan at its Tuesday meeting. The move was made in consultation with the Bucks County Health Department, which recommends that students take their masks off during outdoor physical activity, as long as they remain six feet apart.

Students who are attending school under the modified quarantine protocol must remain masked at all times, except when eating or drinking, when they must maintain six feet of distancing.

A student who chooses to continue to mask is welcome to do so.

"We encourage our families to have a conversation about what is best for their family," Acting Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh said.

Students and staff will continue to mask when indoors, he said.

Gov. Tom Wolf has said the mask mandate will not be lifted until 70 percent of the state population is vaccinated. More than 53 percent of Pennsylvanians have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Wednesday.

The state has said all mitigation orders will be eased as of Memorial Day, with the exception of the mask mandate.

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