Brookline Schools Bringing Back Masks In Certain Scenarios

BROOKLINE, MA — The Public Schools of Brookline has updated its COVID-19 and mask protocols in response to a recent uptick in cases seen within the district, according to the Student Health Services department.

The district will now require rather than strongly suggest individuals wear a mask in certain specific scenarios. These scenarios include:

• Individuals returning from COVID-19 isolation, prior to day 10, through day 10.
• Fully vaccinated individuals who have an at-home close contact, for a period of 5 days.

" We reported 72 cases to DESE on Wednesday, March 23, and reported 94 cases on COVID-19 Dashboard this week,” said PSB Student Health Services in a letter to the community. "While this is a definite increase in cases, it is also indicative of the seriousness with which our community has responded to the pandemic and our broad use of the rapid antigen tests, both in weekly surveillance tests and in the testing of symptomatic individuals at school and at home."

Individuals feeling unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, are asked to remain home. Those who have tested negative for COVID-19 and been cleared for school but still have minor residual symptoms are required to wear a mask while symptoms persist.

"Like always, our need to be flexible, to respond to data, and to review and revise is ongoing,” said PSB Student Health Services in a letter to the community. "We appreciate your flexibility in working with us to keep our community as healthy as possible.”

To view PSB’s updated COVID-19 protocols, click here.