COVID hospitalizations are rising. Philly schools still won’t require masks — mostly.
Students who test positive must stay home for at least five calendar days, and will be expected to participate in virtual learning. The district has also dropped its vaccine requirement for employees.
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The Philadelphia School District announced its updated COVID-19 policies Tuesday, and the school system is keeping masks optional — mostly.
The news comes as COVID hospitalizations are up nationally, but the risk of contracting the coronavirus locally remains low, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Students and staff in the district’s 216 schools can wear masks at any time, but will not be required to do so unless the city health department deems it necessary amid a COVID-19 outbreak in a classroom, school, office or department, according to the guidance.
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People will also be required to wear masks if they test positive for COVID-19 after returning from five-day isolation, and are “highly recommended” to wear a mask for 10 days after their last date of COVID exposure.
Students who test positive must stay home for at least five calendar days, and will be expected to participate in virtual learning. Parents are obligated to notify the school nurse or principal if a student tests positive, and those who show COVID symptoms during the school day must be picked up by a family member, and will be provided with a free COVID test.
The district has also dropped its COVID vaccine mandate for new employees.
Philadelphia teachers returned to classrooms Tuesday; students are due back Sept. 5.