Mask Mandate Lifted

After a long-lived mask mandate at Calloway County schools, the decision was made on November 1, 2021, to make masks optional. Most of the student body has proceeded to remove their masks. Photo courtesy of Jesse Hutchens

For the last two years of in-person instruction, Calloway County school district has had a mask mandate. As of November 1st, 2021, this mandate has been lifted, leaving the decision of a mask optional to the individual, except for on all school transport, according to the district-wide email sent out by Superintendent Tres Settle. 

 In his October 29th email, Settle states, “Calloway County Schools will continue to monitor the COVID-19 date and guidance from local, state and national health sources on a regular basis.” While there is leniency with COVID guidelines, Calloway is still staying safe and taking the student body into consideration. 

Prior to the mandate lift, Settle met with Murray Superintendent Coy Samons and the Murray/Calloway Health department. In said meeting, a two-tier plan was devised for masks in the region. Tier one requires masks; tier two leaves masks optional. The decision of switching to a tier two system is dependent on the local COVID incident rate. If the incident rate is 15% or lower over a ten-day time period, then tier two is available as an option.  

With face coverings now optional, some community members are concerned with how other guidelines may be lifted. Parents who express such concerns have been provided with the most up to date COVID information in the region and state. Settle summed up the current situation with the statement, “Emotions are high,” and reassures the community that guidelines are in place, and that the safety of the students is most important.  

The district will continue to upkeep cleanliness, update school air systems and suggest masks. The declining incident rate allows for more leniency in our schools, letting the student body regain a sense of normalcy. If the incident rate remains less than 25% or out of the red zone, masks will remain optional.  

Superintendent Settle states, “It is my sincere hope to continue the education for students of Calloway County with masks being optional. However, only time will tell if this option is sustainable.”