Battle Creek Public Schools issued the following announcement on Feb 17.
Greetings Bearcat Families,
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline around the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its mask guidance yesterday, removing its public health advisory on universal masking in indoor public settings, including in schools. Following the MDHHS recommendations, the district has consulted with the Calhoun County Public Health Department and, following their guidance, masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors in Battle Creek Public Schools beginning tomorrow, Friday, February 18. This change also applies to athletics and other district events. However, due to federal mandates masks will still be required on school buses.
According to MDHHS, decreases in cases and hospitalizations and increased access to vaccines, testing and treatment indicate that Michigan is entering what it terms a recovery phase of the COVID-19 cycle. Please note that these changes will only remain in effect while our community remains in a recovery phase or better. If the COVID-19 exposure and transmission numbers begin to reach a level of concern, requiring our community to enter a “response” phase again, we will reassess and again lean on the guidance of local health officials.
It is recommended that individuals and families assess their own risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission — such as vaccination status and pre-existing conditions — and make choices about whether it makes sense to continue wearing masks while at school. Since we know that some will choose to continue masking up as an added precaution, we ask that everyone please respect others and their decisions.
As we move into this new phase, frequent, thorough handwashing, remaining home when sick or symptomatic, and getting tested when symptoms arise all remain important measures to ensure we continue to control the spread of COVID-19 as well as other illnesses in our community. If anyone shows symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home and complete a COVID-19 test or contact a family physician for guidance.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we work to respond as rapidly as possible to the recent changes in MDHHS/CCPHD guidelines. For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_71692_71696-577554--,00.html
Original source can be found here.
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