Gwinnett County schools no longer requiring masks for students, staff

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County has updated its mask requirements allowing the option for students and staff to not wear a mask on campus.

As of June 1, masks are no longer required at Gwinnett County school facilities, however, they will be “strongly recommended.”

“This decision takes into account current conditions, including the latest executive order, the fact that COVID-19 case rates are down in Gwinnett County, and the availability of vaccines to Georgians age 12 and older,” the school district said in a statement.

The district said it is mindful that while there is no longer a requirement to wear masks, there will be many who choose to continue to wear a mask, and schools “will continue to plan for appropriate mask breaks.”

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Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp signed an order preventing school districts from implementing mask mandates.

Cobb County made a similar announcement, saying that beginning June 7, face masks will be optional for all school district students and staff.

Gwinnett County said it will continue to monitor guidance from the state and other health partners for planning for the 2021-22 school year.

Buford City Schools announced Wednesday that the district is moving to mask-optional protocols.

“Masks are still required on our school buses by Federal Government mandate and Centers for Disease Control protocols. Summer school students who are traveling on school buses will need to wear their masks as passengers but may remove them once they exit the bus,” superintendent Robert Downs said.

The district said families who prefer to have their students continue wearing masks while in the building are allowed to and should feel comfortable doing so.

Parent group takes out full-page ad to urge Gwinnett BOE to drop mask mandate for students The same group interrupted the school board meeting last week, refusing to put on masks when asked to do so.

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