Dear LBUSD Families,
We have deeply appreciated your support of our health and safety protocols during the pandemic. Our safety measures have allowed us to continue offering in-person instruction, which we know is the most effective way for students to learn and become successful. This afternoon, Gov. Gavin Newsom made an announcement that with declining COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations across the west, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance, including in K-12 schools.
Given some recent questions about our state’s masking policy at schools, we wanted to reach out and clearly communicate what to expect on our campuses in the coming weeks.
Feb. 28 Announcement
The governor made an announcement today related to the timeline and details for ending the indoor mask requirement for school settings statewide. Our school district also has been in touch today with Long Beach Health and Human Services regarding their newest mask guidance, and their announcement is available here.
Based on the latest information from the state and local levels, here are the current guidelines:
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Masking is still mandated indoors at school until 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 11.
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After March 11, masks will be strongly recommended but not required indoors at school.
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Existing masking requirements for those who are returning after COVID isolation still apply.
All students in California are still required to wear masks indoors in order for the district to remain in compliance with state law. This requirement applies to all campuses, including those in our school district until the new guidance takes effect March 12.
We appreciate everyone’s support to help us get through what we hope will be another stage of returning to normal. We all look forward to classrooms and interactions that help all of our students feel better connected and engaged.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for the flexibility you’ve demonstrated over the past two years in supporting our students and school community.
