CDC Lifts Masking Recommendation for LEAs

By William J. Zee & Megan E. Bomba

February 28, 2022

Effective Friday, February 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its recommendation for universal indoor masking in K-12 schools and early education centers. The new guidance also lifts the CDC Mask Mandate on school buses or vans.

The CDC makes clear that the new guidance pertains to areas with low or medium Community Levels. If a local educational agency (LEA) is located in a high Community Level, masks in schools and on school-organized transportation are still recommended.

With COVID-19 cases trending down in the last month, many have called on the CDC to update guidance for schools to coincide with that of the rest of the community. The announcement on Friday allows school boards and communities to make determinations regarding masking that best suit their stakeholders.

LEAs should revisit their Health and Safety Plans to see if any aspects of the plan require updates to align with current policies and guidance.

Should you have any questions regarding the new guidance, or any other policy-related questions, do not hesitate to contact William J. Zee or any of the attorneys in the Appel, Yost & Zee Education Law Group.