The mandatory face mask order applies to all individuals while in school entities, including public K-12 schools, brick and mortar and cyber charter schools, private and parochial schools, career and technical centers (CTCs), and intermediate units (IUs).
Students and staff are considered to be members of the public who are congregating in indoor locations. As such, they are required to adhere to the mandatory face mask order.
Schools may allow students to remove their face coverings when they are:
- Eating or drinking when spaced at least 6 feet apart;
- Seated at desks or assigned work spaces at least 6 feet apart; or
- Engaged in any activity at least 6 feet apart (e.g. face covering breaks, recess, etc.).
Any student who cannot wear a mask or face shield due to a medical condition, including those with respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition, or disability, and students who would be unable to remove a mask without assistance are not required to wear face coverings. Individuals who are communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired or who has another disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication, are not required to wear a mask; however, individuals are encouraged to consider using another type of face covering such as a plastic face shield.
Individuals are not required to show documentation that an exception applies.
With regard to athletes and sports activities:
Everyone must wear a face covering, unless they fall under an exception listed above. Coaches, athletes and spectators must wear face coverings unless they are outdoors and can consistently maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Athletes are not required to wear face coverings while actively engaged in workouts and competition that prevent the wearing of face coverings, but must wear face coverings when on the sidelines, in the dugout, etc. and anytime 6 feet of social distancing is not possible.
