Masks In Framingham Schools Will Be Optional In March

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Joining dozens of districts across the state, Framingham alerted parents on Friday that the district with switch to an optional mask policy beginning March 7.

Last week, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced it would allow its statewide mask mandate to expire on Feb. 28. That decision empowers local school districts to choose whether to keep mask requirements in place, or allow students to go mask free.

That change has prompted districts from Worcester to Woburn to move toward an optional mask policy in recent days.

Framingham Superintendent Robert Tremblay encouraged parents to sign up for district coronavirus testing programs, including at home tests, to keep infection rates in schools down. The district also encouraged students to get vaccinated, if eligible.

"As always, any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face higher risk from COVID-19, should be supported in that choice. We want our school community to be a respectful one where individual and family choice is honored," Tremblay said in a message to parents on Friday.

The message to parents also noted the mask requirement could come back if there's a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Cases have been falling in Framingham schools in recent weeks. Over the week ending Feb. 10, the district had 109 cases. But over the week ending Feb. 17, the district only reported 52 COVID-19 cases, according to district data.

Statewide, all key COVID-19 metrics — including deaths, cases and hospitalizations — declined over the last week. The seven-day positive test rate dropped from 3.8 to 2.76 percent in Massachusetts over the last week, according to state data.

Students in all grade levels across Massachusetts have been required to wear masks during the school day since in person classes resumed in fall 2020. Due to state and federal mandates, students will still be required to wear masks while riding school buses and in school health offices.

Meanwhile, the Framingham Board of Health will meet on Tuesday to discuss possibly rescinding the citywide mask order, which applies to public places like grocery stores, houses of worship and restaurants.