McKee: Masks Are Recommended For All RI School Children This Fall

PROVIDENCE, RI — State officials today released guidance for the 2021-22 school year that recommends universal mask use within school settings, regardless of vaccination status.

Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and health director Nicole Alexander-Scott today released updated guidance for PreK-12 education, and said the state guidance aligns with a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update.

"Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place," the CDC is now saying. Given new evidence on the delta variant, "CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status."

The three Rhode Island officials issued a statement:

“As Rhode Island has done previously, we will continue to follow the CDC’s most recent update to its guidance for schools. We strongly recommend that school districts set a policy that requires masking in schools this fall regardless of vaccination status in direct correlation with CDC guidance. Over the course of the summer, we will continue to monitor the CDC’s guidance and update Rhode Island’s guidance as necessary.

"We also know that vaccinations are the most powerful tool we have as we work towards a full return to in-person learning in the fall. With the start of the school year several weeks away, now is the time for eligible staff and students to get vaccinated. We will continue to work with local school leaders and provide the necessary support to ensure a successful and seamless full return to the classroom.”

To schedule an appointment for vaccination for anyone age 12 or older, visit c19vaccineri.org. Updated guidance will be available at ride.ri.gov.