Worthington Independent School District 518 announced late Wednesday afternoon that masks will become optional in all district facilities beginning Monday.
The announcement reads:
"Effective Monday, January 31, 2022, the current masking requirement will be changed to optional in all District 518 facilities. We continue to recommend masking in the help to reduce the spread and exposure to illness. However, we believe each person should be responsible for their health and well-being.
"Masking on school buses and vans/SUV’s will still be required for all students, paras and drivers due to the federal order in place.
"It continues to be important that if you are feeling ill that you stay home until you are feeling better. If you have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case and experience symptoms you need to stay home, and we encourage you to take a home test or get tested. District 518 continues to monitor the current illnesses to determine the best practices to keep our staff and students safe. All positive staff cases should be reported to Carmen Johnson and all positive student cases should be reported to the building nurse.
"We ask that you continue respecting others personal choice to mask or not to mask. If you are asked to mask during a meeting with students, staff or community members due to personal health concerns, we would expect everyone to be considerate in their actions."
Individuals with questions are asked to contact their building administrator.
