Masks Not Required In Lower Merion Schools This Year

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — With the Lower Merion School District set to start its 2022-23 school year, officials provide updates on its health and safety plan as coronavirus still lingers in the region.

According to the district, masks will not be required in the 2022-23 school year, but could be recommended again if the community COVID level is high.

The CDC recommends masking for 10 days for any students or staff who are exposed to COVID-19 and testing on day five after exposure.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID should isolate for five days. Isolation can end after day five, as long as symptoms are improving and any fever is gone.

Masking is recommended through day 10.

Absences for students who are in isolation will be excused upon receipt of a note from a parent or guardian.

In accordance with the most recent recommendations from the CDC, the District will discontinue routine contact tracing.

Students who are asymptomatic will not need to quarantine after exposure, regardless of their vaccination status.

Students who are sick will not be able to join classes via Zoom.

Teachers will provide makeup opportunities for missed work, as outlined in District Policy 207.

Social distancing is no longer recommended; therefore, cafeteria seating and meal service will return to the way they were prior to the pandemic.

Traditional activities such as assemblies and other group gatherings will resume; however, field trip opportunities will remain limited, due to ongoing staffing considerations impacting both Health Services and Transportation.

The district will continue to use MERV-13 air filters in all buildings.