Schools Wait On State Mask Guidance, Shares Other COVID Updates

MADISON, CT — Not unlike school districts across the state, Madison Public Schools is still waiting on official guidance from the state on mask-wearing inside school buildings for the 2021-2022 school year. The first day of school is Aug. 30.

What the district does know is that masks will be required on school buses as per state law. And, that the state Department of Public Health has recommended Madison schools return to regular cleaning schedules for all school buildings. That includes, schools Superintendent Dr. Craig Cooke said, disinfecting nurses offices and "any locations where a student reports being ill."

Cooke, who noted that currently masks are not required when students are outdoors, said the district's reopening plan will be updated once the state makes a decision on masks and other COVID-19 mitigation.

In a message to families Friday, Cooke also noted that according to data released by the state on Aug. 5, 51 percent of Madison residents ages 12-15 are fully vaccinated and 85 percent of Madison residents ages 16-44 are fully vaccinated. Cooke asked that families report students who are fully vaccinated to the school's nurse. He said proof of vaccination should be submitted to the student's doctor so it can be added to the student’s official immunization record.

"Once that has been completed, the pediatrician can then forward the updated immunization record to our health offices," Cooke said. "Knowing our students’ vaccination status will be helpful to our nurses as we return to school."

And about student athletes, Cooke said that the "CT Association of Interscholastic Athletics has recently recommended that athletes, especially those participating in high contact sports, be vaccinated."

Cooke said he expects to provide another update "on or around" Friday, Aug. 13.