Barrington School Committee To Discuss Mask Mandate

BARRINGTON, RI — Mask mandates in Barrington Public Schools will be discussed by the school committee, likely at its next meeting on Thursday, Superintendent Michael Messore said.

Gov. Dan McKee said Wednesday that the state requirement will end March 4., leaving mask policies up to local school districts.

Messore said the agenda for Thursday's meeting is still being set up, so he's not yet sure if mask mandates will be its own agenda item or will first be discussed during the superintendent's update section of the meeting.

In the weeks leading up to March 4, the Rhode Island Department of Health will work with the Department of Education to create guidelines districts can use when making masking decisions. District leaders are encouraged to work closely with health officials to make the best call for their community.

McKee also said masks or proof of vaccination will no longer be required in indoor public settings, beginning Friday. The governor said these changes are part of the state's move towards "emphasizing personal responsibility," rather than relying on government mandates.

"We have to learn how to manage COVID as we move from a pandemic to an endemic level," McKee said.