Rise In Virus Cases Prompts Mask Order For Big Sandy Elementary

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County School System says it will now require masks for students and employees at Big Sandy Elementary School as new coronavirus cases have many students out or in quarantine due to close contact.

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The school system, even this week, reiterated its intentions to main in-person instruction, but once again stopped short of a districtwide mask order like the one implemented by counterparts at Tuscaloosa City Schools to begin the 2021-2022 school year.

TCSS began requiring masks at Big Sandy on Friday, which will be in place until Sept. 3.

"With the increased number of positive cases at Big Sandy, the likelihood of a student coming in close contact with COVID-19 is greater right now," the district said in a statement this week. "Our students need to be in school, and the schoolwide mask requirement is an important strategy in avoiding the need to quarantine students."

TCSS then pointed out that students will be out of school for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6 and for a Professional Development Day on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

"When students return to school on Wednesday, September 8, Big Sandy will resume the procedure of masks being strongly recommended, but not required," TCSS said. "Masks will still be required on buses, as that is a federal requirement. If there are any changes to this plan, we will communicate that with you immediately and directly. This temporary shift in mask procedures applies only at Big Sandy and does not affect any other TCSS school at this time."

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