Boston schools considering “temporary masking mandate” for 2 weeks after winter break

BOSTON — BOSTON — Boston school leaders and public health leaders are looking into the possibility of putting a “temporary masking mandate” back in place for when students and teachers return to the classroom after the holiday break.

In a holiday letter sent to families and staff, Superintendent Mary Skipper said administrators will decide this week whether any temporary COVID-19 safety measures are necessary.

“While you are away on your winter break, we will continue to meet with the Boston Public Health Commission to discuss any possible changes to our COVID protocols, such as a temporary masking mandate for the first two weeks of school after the break,” Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper wrote.

Skipper’s message promised any decision or other changes to the BPS protocol would be made by the end of this week using the most up-to-date data.

“Based on last year’s experience with a significant surge in COVID and its impact on staffing shortages and student absences, we know this temporary policy change may help mitigate any concerns as we return from winter break,” Skipper wrote.

Boston 25 News spoke with several parents and students who had mixed reactions about the prospect of resurrecting a temporary mask mandate in classrooms.

“When she has the mask on for too long, it’s harder for her to breathe,” said Johenny Del Jesus, who has a daughter in kindergarten.

The advocacy group BPS Families for COVID Safety has been lobbying city leaders to bring back masks temporarily at schools since before the Thanksgiving break.

“We think it’s a really basic and important measure that will actually make a big difference,” said Krista Magnuson with BPS Families for COVID Safety.

The weekly number of reported COVID cases in Boston Public Schools nearly tripled after Thanksgiving break on top of a high rate of the flu and RSV.

The latest Boston-area COVID wastewater levels continue to show an elevated trend, suggesting additional COVID infections that have yet to be reported.

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