Masking Optional For Outdoor Activities At Lower Merion Schools

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The Lower Merion School District is making masks optional for students starting next week, but only for outdoor activities.

Superintendent Khalid Mumin in a letter to the district community said starting Monday next week, masks no longer be required for students participating in outdoor activities, such as elementary school recess and physical education.

The change comes after the officials reviewed information provided by the district's Health and Safety Team, MCOPH's data for the week ending Feb. 17, and COVID-19 numbers reported to district Health Services for this week.

While outdoor masking will be optional, masks will still be required in district buildings and on school buses.

"The Lower Merion Board of School Directors and I appreciate the many community members who have shared their perspectives on the issue of masking, both via email and during our public meetings," Mumin said. "We also appreciate the ongoing hard work of our District Health and Safety Team, on whom we continue to rely for their insight and guidance. There are no easy answers as we continue to deal with the many issues brought on by the pandemic. Please rest assured that the physical and emotional health and safety of our students, staff and community remain LMSD's highest priority."

Other districts in the region are shifting their masking policy to optional while in district buildings.

The Radnor Township School District and Great Valley School District recently announces policy changes making masks optional.