Masks required in all Duluth Public Schools buildings beginning Monday

By Kathleen Kaufman
Duluth Public Schools officials announced today that the district will require indoor mask wearing in all ISD 709 buildings beginning Monday, August 9.

Masks will be required for students age 2-and-older, ISD 709 employees and the public unless medically exempted, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement runs until further notice and a final decision for the 2021-22 school year will be shared by August 24.

“We need to do all that we can to ensure in-person learning for all students this school year,” said John Magas, Superintendent. “None of us are excited to return to mask wearing but we know it’s an effective tool for slowing COVID transmission, especially as the Delta variant continues to rise dramatically across the country and in Minnesota.”

This change is based on updated guidance from the CDC, MN Department of Health and MN Department of Education, recommending that all students, teachers, staff, and visitors in school buildings should wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. The St. Louis County Health Department has also recommended indoor mask wearing for all due to Substantial Community Spread. Masks will continue to be required on school buses per a federal mandate.

“In addition to mask wearing we strongly encourage people 12 years and older to get vaccinated,” said Magas. “Getting vaccinated is one of the best things we can do to prevent getting or spreading COVID, to keep the local rates down and ensure safe in-person learning this school year.”

Magas said the district will continue to work closely with the St. Louis County Department of Health, MN Department of Health and MN Department of Education to monitor local COVID rates and state and federal guidance.

“These safety protocols are subject to change as conditions and guidance changes,” said Magas. “As we approach the beginning of the school year we’ll continue to share information with staff and families, including any updates to COVID safety protocols.”

The district currently requires mask wearing for students age 2 through 5th grade and staff working with those students in ISD 709 buildings. Masks are also a federal requirement on school buses. The announcement expands mask wearing for students, staff and the public in middle and high schools, adult learning programs and ISD 709 offices.

Children under 2 years of age or people of any age who are unable to tolerate wearing a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability are not required to wear a face covering.