Gulf Shores City Schools ease mask requirements

By Melanie LeCroy
Posted 4/7/21

When Gulf Shores City School students, teachers and staff return from spring break they will be faced with a big decision: to mask or not to mask.

On March 4, Governor Kay Ivey extended the …

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Gulf Shores City Schools ease mask requirements

Posted

When Gulf Shores City School students, teachers and staff return from spring break they will be faced with a big decision: to mask or not to mask.

On March 4, Governor Kay Ivey extended the Safer at Home order until April 9 at 5 p.m. In anticipation of the order expiring, Gulf Shores City Schools has made changes to masking requirements.

Gulf Shores superintendent Matt Akin released a statement April 1 announcing the change to masking requirements upon students return from spring break April 12. The statement reads:

“The pandemic created by the COVID-19 virus has impacted every member of the Gulf Shores family. It has certainly disrupted many activities related to family, school and community. Throughout the pandemic, our teachers, staff and students have stepped up in many ways. We have tediously followed Alabama department of public health guidelines to protect our students and staff. I am proud that over 60% of our employees have been vaccinated. In the last two weeks, there have only been three positive cases in our school system (0.1%). Beginning April 12, in accordance with guidelines from Governor Kay Ivey, masks will no longer be required for students and employees. I am, however, strongly encouraging students and employees to continue wearing masks indoors. If we have a spike in positive cases, we will re-implement the mask requirement.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not changed their recommendations for schools. According to the CDC website, prevention strategies such as universal and correct use of masks, physical social distancing, handwashing and cleaning of facilities are vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.