East Providence School District Updates Mask Guidelines

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The East Providence School District has updated its mask wearing policy in accordance with new CDC guidelines, said Head Nurse Diane M. Wallace in an announcement Friday.

The new CDC guidelines state that schools may allow individuals of all ages to remove their masks while outdoors. The guidance applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, although unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear masks in crowded outdoor settings.

The East Providence School District has released the following list of details regarding its new mask wearing policy:

• Masks are no longer required at recess, physical education, athletics or other activities which take place outdoors on school grounds.
• If your student wants to wear a mask outdoors, they may do so.
• Students and staff will be expected to continue to wear a mask indoors. Gaiters and vented masks are not acceptable.
• When students and staff return to classes, hand sanitizer will be required to wash their hands. Masks will be worn properly, covering both nose and mouth completely.
• Students, staff, and all visitors are required to wear a mask inside all school buildings across the district.
• Social distancing practices will continue.

Anyone with questions on the new guidance is asked to email dwallace@epschoolsri.com.