MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education agreed Tuesday to change the school system’s facial covering policy and make masks optional.
The policy will change on March 2 as health officials and education leaders are recording fewer coronavirus cases.
“The reason is because that gives us exactly one week from tonight to get the information to our school communities and get some lessons in place for our kids,” Superintendent Eddie Campbell said of the March 2 date.
Monongalia County Health Officer Dr. Lee Smith cited the low infection rate and death compared to other West Virginia counties. According to Smith, officials recorded an average of 232 cases at the peak of the omicron surge compared to 151 cases as of Tuesday.
“I want to caution people,” he said. “Just because we’re going to reach a point that we’re going to go to voluntary masks don’t throw caution to the wind.”
Students and educators will take part in classes regarding mask usage and understanding the shift away from requiring facial coverings. Students will also receive information explaining the new policy.
“The key to success with this is going to be the respect of every person involved,” he said. “Respecting people who don’t want to wear a mask, and respecting people that want to wear a mask in our schools.”