Pocatello/Chubbuck School District lifts mask mandates for classes and graduations
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POCATELLO — Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 voted to immediately suspend its mask mandate at a board meeting Tuesday.
“For the duration of the 2020-2021 school year, face coverings/masks will be optional for all learners, staff and visitors,” district officials said in a news release.
The decision is a product of the recent announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with a recent downturn in COVID-19 cases within the district, the release says. Last week, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks except when in healthcare settings, on public transportation, or in other areas where governments require masks.
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The district is encouraging those who have yet to receive a vaccine to continue wearing masks.
As part of the announcement, D25 has also lifted restrictions on all graduation ceremonies within the district. Tickets will not be required, as gathering limitations have been lifted. All seating will be on a first-come-first-serve basis with additional space created to accommodate for social distancing guidelines.
Those attending graduation ceremonies are encouraged to wear masks, though they will not be mandatory.
Dr. Douglas Howell, the superintendent of the district, said in the release that the board has appreciated the efforts of the students, staff and faculty working within the district.
“The board has done an exceptional job trying to balance the complexities of delivering equitable access to high-quality education while safeguarding the health and well-being of our learners and our staff.”