Masks Are Now Optional In Greenfield Schools, District Says

GREENFIELD, WI — Masks are now largely optional in the School District of Greenfield. A letter sent to parents on Tuesday says all students, staff and visitors will have the option to wear masks.

Masks will also be optional on school buses, the district said in an update to its COVID-19 strategy. The decision comes after Monday's School Board meeting, alongside new CDC guidance and recent COVID-19 data trends, the letter to parents said.

The new policy became effective on Wednesday.

The district says it is transitioning from masks being required to a "mask-friendly" environment, meaning masks will continue to be available in school for those who want them. Other characteristics of such an environment include accepting individuals who choose to wear masks or not, and understanding there are a variety of reasons that go into making that choice, the district says.

Isolation and quarantine orders may impact if students need to wear masks.

When an isolation order is necessary for someone who tests positive for COVID-19, the student must stay at home for five days after symptoms have started. After those five days are up, and if the person's symptoms are resolving without the use of Tylenol or Advil, they may return to school, but they must wear a properly fitting mask for an additional five days, the district said.

As for quarantining when a member of a student's household tests positive for COVID-19: An order from the Greenfield Health Department would require students to quarantine for five days. After those five days are up, they may return to school wearing a properly fitting mask for an additional five days.

Students who have received the primary two-dose series of the vaccine or the primary series and a booster do not need to quarantine if they are symptom-free, the district said.

The district will no longer be quarantining students who have been a close contact with a positive case at school, following new CDC guidelines.

For more information on the School District of Greenfield's new mask policy, check the most recent update on the district website.The letter sent to parents on Tuesday about the new mask policy can also be found on the district website.