UPDATE: Brookfield Schools To Go Mask Optional On Monday

BROOKFIELD, CT — The schools will be going mask-optional one day earlier than originally scheduled.

The Brookfield Board of Education amended the effective date for relaxing the policy from Tuesday, March 1, to Monday, Feb. 28. The decision came during a special meeting Wednesday night.

Schools Superintendent John Barile alerted families to the change in an email Thursday. He also emphasized the schools would "continue to implement a number of mitigation strategies to promote a healthy environment," to include:

• Making available masks as needed for any student or staff member
• Making available COVID home test kits for any student or staff who needs one
• Availability of sanitizing stations throughout the building & opportunity for handwashing
• Distancing where possible
• Cohorting when practicable

Each school’s lunch arrangements will remain for the time being, Barile said, and schools will continue to make efforts to ensure proper ventilation and building cleanliness.

Students and staff should stay when ill. After returning from a COVID infection after five days without symptoms, the infected student or staff member is strongly recommended to wear a mask through the tenth day.

Test kits will be distributed next week to all staff and students as schools begin the new mask optional protocol, Barile said.