It is time to end mask mandates in Northampton schools! On February 28, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Massachusetts (DESE) let the statewide mask mandate in schools lapse. Over 96% of districts in the state have moved to a mask-optional policy at this point in time. Yet in Northampton, we are still subject to the restrictive, unnecessary school masking policy imposed by our school committee and recommended by the Board of Health, despite the fact they lifted the citywide mandate over a week ago. 

DESE has endorsed a mask-optional policy for public schools. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued new guidance stating that indoor masking is no longer recommended for most individuals. The CDC has released new guidelines stating that individuals in communities with Low or Medium risk, in which Hampshire County falls, do not need to mask indoors. There is no need to continue to cling to outdated guidance and continue these mask mandates. Our community was polled and a substantial majority favored moving to a mask-optional policy. 

At this point, all school-age children have had the opportunity to get the vaccine. There are effective treatments available for the disease. We know that children are at very low risk of getting seriously ill. One-way masking works and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask may do so. It is time to move to a mask-optional policy for the city of Northampton public schools.