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Health Update 2/17/22

Posted on: February 17, 2022 - 9:45am
Hanover H

As you know from our communication last week, the mask requirement for schools was lifted by the DESE Commissioner Riley, and beginning Monday, February 28, the first day back from February vacation, masks will no longer be required in school buildings, classrooms, or grounds.  Masks are still required to be worn on school busses until the Federal order is lifted.  We ask that all bus riders be respectful of our bus drivers and continue to follow the mask protocol on the bus.  Hopefully, that requirement will also be lifted in the near future.   

We are very pleased to report that the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the schools and in the Town of Hanover continue to decline, and our testing program continues to demonstrate a similar decline in positivity.

As we move away from masks, certain mitigation strategies will continue.  For now, we will continue distancing as much as reasonably possible in the classroom.  Other measures such as staying home when ill, increased ventilation in school buildings, and attention to handwashing will remain in place, as they are beneficial to infectious disease management beyond COVID-19.

Please understand that we will continue to see individuals wearing masks in school for a variety of reasons.  Anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask in school for any reason will be supported.  If you would like your child to wear a mask in school on or after February 28, 2022, and if they are not yet independent enough to keep their mask on throughout the day, please send a note to your child’s teacher.

This is an exciting milestone for our schools and community and with spring approaching and cases on the decline, we are very hopeful as we move one big step closer to normal.  After a difficult winter, all indicators point to a great second half of the school year!

Additional information

  • Masks are still required:
    • In-school health offices per MDPH.
    • On school busses per Federal Order.
  • DESE strongly recommends that families continue to follow the updated protocols for COVID-19 symptoms, positive cases, and close contacts.  Please refer to the DESE website for the full DESE/DPH Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios - SY 2021-2022.
  • As always, if your child is exhibiting signs of illness, please have them stay home and call your school nurse.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.  If you have any questions please contact me or your school nurse at any time.  We wish your family a restful and happy school break.

Sincerely,

Patricia Smith, BSN, RN, NCSN
Director of Health Services

Matt Ferron
Superintendent of Schools