While Verona’s public schools have yet to say which one of their four re-opening options they will choose for the fall, they are now issuing guidance on face masks. These will be required for anyone in a school building, with some very limited exceptions.
The masks must cover both the nose and mouth. In an email sent out this morning, the district said that washable cloth face masks are acceptable, as are non-medical disposable three-layer masks. The district said the face coverings were chosen based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the email included the CDC’s information on how to make a cloth mask at home. While N95 and KN95 masks are also acceptable, the district echoed the CDC’s recommendation that these be reserved for healthcare workers.
The district will not allow gaiters, bandanas, scarves or masks with one-way valves or vents, because these are not recommended by the CDC.
Face shields are permitted but not as a substitute for a face mask, the district said.
The district said that masks may not be required if a student has severe asthma or breathing problems, is deaf or hard of hearing, or has a disability, mental health condition, or tactile sensitivity. But parents and guardians will have to document these conditions to their building principal in writing no later than Thursday, September 3. Verona schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 14.
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