DC Public Schools (DCPS) is making face masks optional for students, staff, and visitors, starting Wednesday, March 16.
The announcement came from DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee on Friday.
In a letter addressed to parents of students, Ferebee notified the community of the decision, emphasizing that all students and staff would be welcome to continue to wear face coverings if they opted for it.
“We will actively promote a climate where this choice is respected,” Ferebee said about wearing masks indoors at DCPS schools.
Starting Wednesday, March 16 — and consistent with the latest health guidance and the current low levels in DC — masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors in DC Public Schools, DCPS offices, and on OSSE-DOT transportation. pic.twitter.com/n7yCYu0uJG
— DC Public Schools (@dcpublicschools) March 11, 2022
DCPS had removed its outdoor mask mandate in recent weeks.
Other DMV area school systems, including Montgomery County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, have already lifted their mandates.
Students in Prince George’s County schools still have to wear masks.
The COVID-19 community level in the District is currently low, which means people, households, and communities can take minimal, practical precautions.
DC Health is now releasing COVID-19 data, including hospital admissions and deaths related to the disease, only on a weekly basis, instead of every weekday.
DC Moves to Weekly Reporting of COVID-19 Data as Per New Metrics