Fox Chapel Area schools go to masks optional
Masks went optional for schools in the Fox Chapel Area School District on March 2.
The shift in safety protocols was made after at least five consecutive days of Allegheny County being in the low community covid transmission level, according to district spokeswoman Bonnie Berzonski.
Masks had been mandatory during substantial or high transmission of covid-19 in Allegheny County.
As of March 1, the school district reported 832 cases of confirmed and probable covid infections. The heaviest month was in January 2022 wth 465 cases, which included cases reported during the winter break.
Masks have been a controversial subject in the district. Parents protested the district’s mask mandate policy several times in February, and a handful of them voiced concerns about face coverings at school board meetings.
The school board is expected to vote on an updated health and safety plan at its March 14 meeting.
Students in all school activities are not required to wear a mask. However, they can wear one of they choose. Those attending school functions are not required to wear one, but can do so if they choose.
The district’s health and safety plan is available for review at https://www.fcasd.edu/covid19.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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