Vaccine-Or-Mask Mandate For Sports, Band, Chorus: Salem Schools

SALEM, MA — Salem Public Schools students 12 years old or older in extracurricular activities such as sports, drama or band will need proof of a coronavirus vaccination or will need to wear a mask when participating in those "high-respiration" activities both indoors and outdoors this fall under the latest recommendations from the superintendent's office.

In addition to the universal indoor mask mandate and other testing protocols the Salem School Committee approved unanimously on Monday, Salem Schools on Friday issued additional recommendations that include the vaccine-or-mask mandate for extracurricular activities. Students eligible for the vaccine who do not have proof of vaccination will also have to show proof they have consulted with a health care professional on their vaccination status to play sports or perform in the band, chorus or drama club.

All students in "high-respiration" extracurricular activities will also have to be tested for the coronavirus weekly regardless of vaccination status — as was the case last school year.

Salem Schools also recommends adopting the citywide proposal that all municipal employees — including teachers and school staff — show proof of vaccination or be subject to twice-weekly coronavirus testing.

"We are trying to look at whatever we can do to incentivize and requiring vaccinations," Salem Superintendent of Schools Steve Zrike said in a chat with the school community earlier this week. "We don't want to deny educational opportunities, but we also know the vaccine is essential if we're going to combat the virus and return to as much normalcy as possible."

The Salem School Committee will be asked to adopt the new recommendations at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday.

Under the new proposals, Salem Public Schools nurses will collect proof of vaccination during staff professional development week starting Aug. 24. The district will offer free, on-site testing for unvaccinated staff twice a week and for all students participating in athletics, band, chorus and drama.

Students wishing to participate in those "high-respiration" extracurricular activities will also have to provide proof of vaccination to the nurse's office prior to the start of the school year or a required form signed by a health care provider documenting a consultation on the vaccine. Salem Public Schools will offer access to a health care provider for students who need assistance.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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