Isai RochaLAUSD will no longer allow cloth masks to be worn as part of its district-wide mask regulations, requiring higher grade masks with wire nose bridges.
The requirement applies to both students and staff, with employees required to wear surgical-grade masks or higher, whether indoors or outdoors.
The LAUSD change comes in response to the spread of the coronavirus Omicron variant and public health officials recommending that Los Angeles residents use surgical, N95 or KN95 masks in lieu of cloth-style masks.
Masks are to be worn at all times and schools will provide appropriate masks for those who need them.
LAUSD Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said 100% of district employees are vaccinated against COVID-19, with 80% of its students vaccinated.
“We know there is apprehension and we’ve added the extra layers of protection,” Reilly said in an update Monday. “Keeping our schools safe is a top priority and we thank you for doing your part.”
Current guidelines require students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate for a minimum of five days and may return to on-campus learning once symptoms subside.
Los Angeles County has seen a decrease in positive COVID-19 cases since the single-day record of 45,584 on January 9, although 4,568 people are hospitalized from COVID-19, a number that was at 770 before the holidays on December 23, 2021.
