Barrington Public Schools Mandating Booster Vaccine For Staff

BARRINGTON, RI — Barrington Public Schools will require all staff to get a booster vaccine for COVID-19, with some exceptions agreed upon during negotiations with the Barrington teachers union.

The school committee voted unanimously Thursday night for the mandate. School staff will have until March 8 or 30 days from the employee's eligibility to get the booster.

There are, however, some exceptions for if a Barrington school staff member does not want to get the booster. If an employee opts out of getting the booster, they must adhere to the following rules to keep their job:

• They must wear an N-95 mask at all times while inside school buildings
• The teacher must purchase their own masks
• Staff must submit to twice-a-week testing
• Staff need to secure a "protected location" when they unmask to eat
• Staff must remain at least 6 feet from others when drinking.