Providence schools makes changes to mask rules once again

May 31, 2022 5:32 am

Cori Dubois,

Masks — Students masking in the classroom. (WLNE)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence schools will move back to a mask optional policy starting Tuesday.

The school district reinstated its mask mandate nearly two weeks ago after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put Providence County in the “high-risk” category for the spread of COVID. Now, the CDC has moved the county back into “medium-risk” on its map.

The district also noted that it saw a decrease in student and staff cases over the past week — from nearly 60 to 40 positive cases per day.

“As I said when masks became optional back in early April, we will continue to follow the science with mask policies,” said Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez.

“The District closely monitors case data and community risk levels from the CDC and the Rhode Island Department of Health, and mask policy will be updated accordingly,” added Montañez.

School officials said they will offer KN95 masks to those who want one.