Montco Lifts Mask Mandate At Summer Camps, Schools

NORRISTOWN, PA — Noting that coronavirus cases have reached a record low in the community, Montgomery County officials said Wednesday that they would lift the mask mandate for summer camps and summer schools. Masks will be optional for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

The move marks another benchmark as the pandemic continues to steeply decline, with the percent positivity rate on tests now down to 1.1 percent.

“Informed by the latest data, this updated masking guidance for summer camps and summer schools will remain as long as Montgomery County continues to have a 14-day average below 20 cases per day,” Dr. Richard Lorraine, Montgomery County's Office of Public Health's Medical Director, said in a statement. "Based on case counts at a record low, the likelihood for community spread of COVID-19 is low risk, thus prompting this update to the County’s masking mitigation strategy."

Heading into Wednesday, the county has now seen 36 straight days with a percent positivity rate below 5 percent.

Masks remain required in other parts of society, including hospitals and doctor's offices, public transit, and long term care facilities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced weeks ago that they plan to lift public masking restrictions once 70 percent of the 18 and over population is fully vaccinated. That number sits at 57.5 percent as of Wednesday.