Since the lifting of the statewide mask mandate on March 12, BSD students, staff and visitors have had the option to choose whether or not to wear masks in our schools. However, with the current rise in illnesses in the region, the district shares information published by Public Health Insider and recommendations by local public health authorities to encourage our students, staff and families to strongly consider wearing masks in indoor settings to help slow the current spread. In April 2022, the BSD Board Directors approved resolution 2022-04-11 that encouraged continued wearing masks inside our school buildings to protect the most vulnerable in our school community.
As shared by Public Health Insider, “communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.” Although mask-wearing in BSD schools is not currently required, the sharing of this information is for families to make informed decisions for their health and public safety.
Additionally, our learning community should be reminded to stay home when sick and consider additional layered protections that help prevent the spread of illness in our buildings and community at large.
Learn More
- Health Services at BSD
- Too Sick for School?
- COVID-19 Health and Safety
- COVID-19 Testing
- Learn how to access COVID-19 tests.
- COVID-19 FAQ
- Learn about layered protections and how to access face coverings and vaccinations.