Mask Requirement Dropped By Walnut Creek School District

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Walnut Creek School District will drop its mask requirement for students in two weeks. Starting Monday, March 14, children will no longer have to wear face coverings.

The decision came within hours of an announcement that the state is dropping its school mask mandate.

"Throughout the pandemic, WCSD has anchored all health and safety protocols to the requirements and guidance provided by both CDPH and Contra Costa Health Services and we plan to continue this practice," Superintendent Marie Morgan said in a message to parents and staff. "The state has also advised that they are working with Cal/OSHA to align the requirements for staff in schools, although we are still waiting for that information to be released."

The decision to lift the mask requirement is for all students regardless of their vaccination status.

However, if students choose to continue wearing a mask, it will be permitted.

"These next two weeks will be a time of transition as we work together to socialize this change," said Morgan. "Meetings are scheduled with both school district leadership and with district liaisons to hear directly from Contra Costa County Health Services on Tuesday and Thursday respectively."

Morgan also shared the CDC's guidance on Unmasking strategies for children, based on age group