Lake Washington Schools Prepare To Lift Mask Mandate

REDMOND, WA — The Lake Washington School District is joining others across King County in preparing to relax mandatory masking rules as the statewide order expires Saturday. The state's second-largest school district released its plans Wednesday, following similar announcements from Seattle Public Schools and the Bellevue School District.

The state Department of Health formally updated its guidance Wednesday, allowing for schools to relax their masking guidelines in most scenarios while noting they could still be required in certain instances.

Jon Holmen, Lake Washington's superintendent, released the district's full plan along with a video message to help parents and students understand what to expect next week.

"As students and staff return to school next week, we will begin a new phase of our response to COVID," Holmen said. "Students and staff, with very few exceptions, will now have the choice of whether to wear a mas or not while on school district campuses. This change may prompt a variety of emotions in each of us and we want to acknowledge that those emotions are okay and understandable."

Here is Lake Washington's updated masking guidance, scheduled to take effect Monday:

• Students and staff can choose whether to wear masks or not to wear masks in the majority of situations.
• We ask all students, staff and visitors to respect the choices of others about when and where they mask or don’t mask.
• There are many reasons why people may continue to wear a mask.
• Students or staff with medical issues are encouraged to consult with their doctor about whether it makes sense for them to continue masking.
• Students and staff will be required per Department of Health guidelines to mask when in the health room or isolation (Q) room as these are considered medical areas.

In line with the updated state guidelines, Lake Washington will also amend its quarantine rules, removing the universal requirement for close contacts to quarantine when potentially exposed, regardless of immunization status. Students and staffers who suspect exposure are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, consider wearing a mask voluntarily, seek testing and notify the school if symptoms appear.

The district will continue operating its four high school testing sites and plans to increase supply for rapid tests at all schools. Students and staff should also stay home when sick and isolate after testing positive for COVID-19. Next week's changes will not impact the vaccination requirement for employees, contractors and volunteers.

Lake Washington families can learn more about the evolving "Pathway Forward" on the district's website.