The Hutchinson school district will be requiring students, staff and visitors to wear a mask indoors at all school facilities this fall. This is part of a set of COVID-19 safety protocols announced Tuesday by Hutchinson superintendent Mike Folks.
The district has been talking with medical and state agencies in recent weeks, and Folks said the protocols were determined in response to the prevalence of the delta variant of the virus in Reno County. He said the variant has been found to be easily transmitted and it could cause serious health issues for young people.
The new protocols will go into effect August 4th:
- All students, staff and visitors will be required to wear a mask indoors in all USD 308 facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
- Outdoor activities and events will not require masks, but are recommended.
- No temperature checks will occur by the district before entering USD 308 buildings.
- It is recommended that staff and families practice home symptom screenings prior to coming to work or school.
- COVID-19 vaccination is not required by the district, but it is encouraged to all who are eligible to receive the vaccine.
The protocols are subject to final approval by the Hutchinson school board.
