- Ashland Public Schools
- COVID-19 Home
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COVID-19: WHAT WE’RE DOING
Updated April 13, 2022For this school year, we hope there will be less disruption so that our students can re-engage with the full educational opportunities that Ashland Public Schools offers. However, we must continue to mitigate the risks to our community members. We have taken great steps to protect our students and staff with health and safety protocols and increased cleaning processes. As we have been accustomed, this guidance may shift throughout the school year as we learn more about COVID-19 and its variants.
MASKS
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As of Monday, March 7, 2022, masks are not required in or on Ashland Public Schools buildings and facilities. The following public health measures remain in place:
- Anyone utilizing the health office will be required to wear a face covering.
- Direct service providers that fall into the medical profession category should continue to follow DPH's guidance, which may include wearing a face covering and requiring a student to wear a face-covering during service hours. Service providers will indicate to families their individual approach.
- Students and staff returning from 5-day quarantine following a positive COVID test must follow strict mask use, other than when eating, drinking, or outside, and conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 10 of exposure. If students or staff members cannot wear a face covering for days 6-10, they will need to continue with their quarantine through day 10.
Unvaccinated or immune-compromised individuals or those living with someone immune-compromised are encouraged to continue wearing masks in indoor public settings. All staff and students will be supported through their decision to wear or not wear masks.
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Do students have to wear a mask inside?
Beginning March 7, 2022, all APS staff and students, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, have the option to wear or not wear a mask inside school buildings and facilities, except when mandated by federal or state guidelines.
Mask use may be reinstated at the discretion of the superintendent of schools and in line with public health measures.
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Do students have to wear a mask outside?
Students may choose to wear a mask while outdoors, but it is not a requirement except for certain scenarios. Students who have completed quarantine or isolation at home for 5 days due to COVID must wear a mask for an additional 5 days while around others. This includes while outside.
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What kind of mask do students need to wear?
For individuals who choose to wear a mask, the CDC recommends masks have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Neck gaiters, open chin triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material, or holes are not recommended.
HYGIENE
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Handwashing keeps us healthy. Through signage and readily available supplies, staff and students are encouraged to wash their hands often and for at least 20 seconds or to utilize hand sanitizer when hand washing isn't possible.