Groton School Mask Mandate Ending Feb. 28

GROTON, CT — Groton Public Schools will make mask-wearing optional when the statewide mandate ends Feb. 28, according to a statement on the district's website. Groton joins several other towns across the state in allowing the mask mandate to expire.

See related: CT School Mask Mandate Guidelines: 5 Things To Know

"With the announcement that Governor Lamont is lifting the mask mandate as of February 28, 2022, and hearing from our families through email and the parent feedback survey, the decision for Groton Public Schools will be one of choice by families and staff," the district wrote. "While the CDC still recommends the use of masks, particularly for those who are not fully vaccinated, students and staff will not be required to wear masks in school as of Monday, February 28th."

Students will be required to continue to wear masks on school buses until federal guidelines are lifted.

The district said it considered many factors in its decision, which was made in collaboration with regional superintendents, state officials, and health experts at the CDC and Ledge Light Health District.

"We are appreciative of the overwhelming number of our school community who participated in the Parent, Student, Staff surveys," the district wrote. "The survey gave all members of our community equal opportunity and access to share their voice. Board members and Principals will receive a detailed report with all comments from our constituents."

Students or staff who test positive for COVID will still need to isolate from school for 5 days from the onset of symptoms or 5 days after testing if asymptomatic, according to the statement.