Salem Schools Urging KN95-Level Masks, Adding To Vaccine Orders

SALEM, MA — Updated Salem Public Schools' guidance amid the current coronavirus surge include the recommendation that students and staff wear at least KN95=level respirator masks in school buildings and vaccination proof to attend indoor school sporting events and concerts starting this month.

Superintendent Steve Zrike also said in a message to families: "We are still exploring additional (vaccination) requirements for students beyond our current requirement for high-respiration extracurricular activities."

"Over the last few weeks, Salem, like most communities in the state, has seen a significant increase in positive cases," Zrike said. "In response to this new variant, it is critical that we adjust our practices and procedures in order for schools to remain open for in-person learning. We will continue to lead with health and safety so that we can minimize the interruptions to the in-person experience that has proven so valuable to our students."

Among the new guidelines is a recommendation that staff and students upgrade to at least a KN95-quality mask while in school buildings. Zrike said the district will provide all staff with KN95 respirator masks and is "exploring the possibility of providing these masks to students as well."

In the meantime, students who cannot get a KN95 mask are "strongly encouraged" to wear a surgical mask or wear a surgical mask under their cloth mask.

"Please note that this recommendation may become a requirement if we experience concerning spread in our schools during the coming weeks," Zrike said.

Zrike also clarified that the city's proof-of-vaccination requirement to enter bars, restaurants, gyms and other entertainment venues beginning Jan. 15 will include vaccination proof to attend indoor sporting events and concerts at Salem Public Schools.

"All spectators and audience members will need to show evidence of vaccination, in accordance with the requirements of the city of Salem, to attend our student games and performances," he said.

All in-person meetings at the schools will be held outside during January.

The district is also looking for additional substitute teachers, paraprofessionals and nurses with staff absences amid the omicron surge likely to be significant. Those interested are asked to contact 978-740-1115 or humanresources@salemk12.org.

"We are in the process of revising our daily rates to ensure that they are among the most competitive in the region," Zrike said.

Parents and guardians are also advised to be prepared for a switch to remote learning for certain classrooms if there are three or more cases within a classroom.

All families are encouraged to sign up for weekly testing regardless of vaccination status.

"Beginning next week, all vaccinated staff and students who are deemed close contacts will be able to take a test given what we have learned about the transmissibility of the omicron variant, and have the option to participate in additional testing," Zrike said. "As a reminder, unvaccinated close contacts that do not consent to participate in Test and Stay must quarantine and remain symptom-free for at least five days.

"As with everything during the pandemic, this guidance is subject to change based on the most updated information that we receive on the virus. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take every step to preserve the student experience in the Salem Public Schools while keeping our community as safe and healthy as possible in the new year."

(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.)