Massachusetts School Mask Mandate Extended Through At Least January 15, 2022

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On October 26, 2021, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”) extended its statewide school mask mandate until at least January 15, 2022. The mandate requires all students and staff members five (5) years and older to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, except when eating or drinking. Prior to the extension, the deadline for the end of the mask mandate was set for November 1st. This is the second time DESE has extended the mandate.

Schools are still able to lift the mandate for vaccinated individuals by submitting proof to DESE that at least 80 percent of the student and staff population is vaccinated against COVID-19. This extension of the mandate comes amid news of an expected expansion of eligibility for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 5 and 11.

If you have any questions about the contents of this update or school law generally, please contact us.

This update is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.