Pittsfield School Committee Amends District Mask Policy / Pittsfield.com

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Public School Committee on Friday unanimously voted to amend the district's face mask policy in accordance with Gov. Charlie Baker's new guidance that was released on Monday.

The changes impact the district in relation to the use of masks in outdoor settings during the school day and youth and amateur sports.

As of this week, students no longer have to wear masks when outdoors even if 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. This applies to recess, physical education, and youth sports.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis clarified that a family member can feel free to ER ask their child to stay masked outside and the district will support that decision.

In outdoor learning environments, adults must continue to wear masks outdoors if distancing cannot be maintained. Both adults and students must continue to wear masks indoors.

Curtis suggested that the district follow the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) updated guidelines that say athletes on spring teams and in active play outdoors are not required to wear a face mask, athletes on the bench or in a dugout are not required to wear a mask, and athletes in low-risk sports when indoors where a distance of at least 14 feet or more is consistently maintained between each participant are not required.

Additionally, all athletes participating in high school sports are considered "youth" and fall under youth guidelines.

Spectators, chaperones, coaches, staff, referees, umpires, and other officials who can socially distance while outdoors are also not required to mask.

Visitors, spectators, volunteers, and staff are required to wear a mask while indoors.

"So there are also some implications that relates to the sharing of classroom materials and supplies and the frequency of cleaning of services, as well, there are some slight changes to those expectations with the new guidance," Curtis added.

"We've known for quite some time, and this affirms, that the spreading of the virus does not frequently happen through contact and sharing of, you know, let's say, papers, art supplies, and such."

Committee member Daniel Elias asked Curtis if this policy mirrors what is happening elsewhere in Berkshire County and within the state.

"Absolutely," Curtis said. "I would agree, we are moving in the same direction not only as our colleagues in Berkshire County but across the state."

Central Berkshire Regional School District on Friday also notified its parents that students would no longer need to wear a mask outdoors but all adults and students would continue to mask indoors.

The Mount Greylock School Committee followed suit in a brief special meeting on Friday afternoon.

According to the new policy, no face-coverings will be required for students, with or without social-distancing, when engaged in recess, physical education classes, interscholastic athletics or outdoor learning activities on the three Mount Greylock Regional School District campuses.

"Face coverings must still be worn by adults if appropriate distancing cannot be maintained," the Mount Greylock policy reads.

The School Committee OK'd the new policy by a vote of 6-0 with Ursula Maloy unable to attend.

The state is lifting all capacity limits and the requirement for any vaccinated individuals to mask either indoors or out on May 29. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has said face coverings are unnecessary for those who have been fully vaccinated; even though there is a slight chance of contracting the novel coronavirus, vaccinated individuals should only have minor symptoms if any.

Member William Cameron made two minor language alterations to the amendment that were passed.

Curtis said he has notified all families in the educational community of the Friday meeting and later in the afternoon will be sending out updated information on the outcome of the meeting and how it is related to the district's health and safety practices according to the governor's updated guidance.