Six northcentral Arkansas schools have shared their COVID-19 precaution policies and/or plans as they approach starting the school year as the state’s virus cases and hospitalizations continue to rise.
Cedar Ridge Schools in Newark is highly recommending wearing a mask, but masking will not be required. The school board meets on Aug. 17 and the board may further address the questions surrounding their COVID-19 protocols at that time.
Midland School District in southern Independence County shares masks are strongly recommended but are optional.
Southside Schools are also recommending students and staff to mask up, but it is not required. The school’s statement said the board is always looking for additional, local information to guide making the best decision(s) possible for the children.
Batesville School District will require indoor masking for staff and students if a high-risk situation is shown by covidactnow.org for Independence County. Exemptions for masking include athletics, music, exercise in P.E., and recess.
Mountain View Schools in Stone County will require masks for all staff and students, regardless of vaccination status, until at least Sept. 20. The school board will evaluate each month and make adjustments to the district’s COVID protocols as necessary.
UPDATE 8/13/2021:
Melbourne School District’s Board held a special session Thursday night (Aug. 12) to discuss COVID-19 policies. The board voted to require masks for all staff and students for a period of 30 days or as needed. The Superintendent said the motion was based on new guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and local medical professionals.
If you have yet to be immunized against COVID-19, White River Now urges you to talk to your trusted local physician or pharmacist about the COVID-19 vaccine.
For COVID-19 information from the Arkansas Department of Health, click here.
For information from local physicians about COVID-19 vaccines, click here.
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