Required fields are marked *, Anonymous Sep 7, 2021 at 11:09 pm, I personally think(whether or not you agree with masks/mandates) that our districts mask mandates are just political games that waste large amounts of time & money. Other mitigation strategies will be in place, such as pool testing and eventual vaccination clinics, Parks noted. "I . Health officials recommend wearing masks on transit and in transportation hubs.". I welcome and value your engagement. Masks are readily available to order online, and . I feel completely unsafe in the hallways, an anonymous student said. Honestly, the only real change that has been made is teachers mentioning it once a week or so, and certain people are still ignoring it. Everyone is pushing and shoving trying to get to class and if one of them has Covid, then its over for the rest of us. Mask Advisory . These mandates dont do anything, and wont do anything(how will they enforce it? "We need to think about our whole community," she said, noting that students under 12 cannot be vaccinated yet. Heather Morrison works as a school administrator with students with disabilities. Others noted that the delta variant is more transmissable in children than previous strains, and that masks should be worn by all students to protect those who are at risk. She also noted the Westwood Board of Health's recommendation that masks be worn indoors. Tina Collins advocated for parental choice on masking, noting there is no current federal or state mandate. On May 29th, as the current mask mandate is lifted, the Massachusetts Department of Health will issue a public health advisory urging unvaccinated residents to wear face coverings in most indoor settings. All rights reserved, Rate of COVID Cases in Mass. 40 views, 0 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Westwood Media Center: Mask mandates for Westwood (MA) Public Schools, final paving updates, and sign-ups for the Friends. Arushi Sharma, Horizon Photo Editor September 2, 2021. Charlie Baker's announcement that the statewide requirement for masks in public schools would end Feb. 28, the Westwood School District has decided to lift its mandate at the end of the month As the Delta variant rises, concern has. Your email address will not be published. By order of Westwood's Board of Health, a mask mandate is currently in effect in all of the town's municipal buildings. . "If you choose to do so, you will be taking away our rights to bodily autonomy," she said. TL;DR: The mandates do nothing, theyre political theatre, and I think that both those who support and dont support universal masking should agree on this. At the RRISD Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 24, students, staff, and parents argued for and against a stricter mask mandate. Westwood School Committee Votes Unanimously to End Mask Requirement Following Massachusetts Gov. Asked what it would take to mask again, 25 per cent of people said they were waiting for a worse COVID situation before they . Member Anthony Mullin, who also serves on the COVID-19 Advisory Group, said the group recommended continuing the successful mediation strategies, including mask use for all grades at the start of the school year, because students under 12 are not eligible for the vaccine. The mandate will be in place at least until Sept. 1. The boards third member, Ms. Shelley Reever, was not able to attend. Fully vaccinated close contacts exposed to COVID-19 are exempt from testing and quarantine protocols as long as they remain asymptomatic. WESTWOOD, MA - Members of the Westwood School Committee this week agreed that the current universal mask policy in school buildings should be continued as school starts, citing concerns over the delta variant and the risk of exposure to vulnerable students. This puts everyone else in close contact with them at a much greater risk of contracting COVID-19, and the vaccine does not protect against the new Delta variant. CANTON After a meeting last week filled with boos, jeers and yelling, Canton's town-wide face mask mandate could end earlier than originally scheduled. He was hopeful that students may experience being back in school buildings without a mask at the beginning of March 2022, . Whether it be a teacher asking a student to pull their mask up during class or teachers standing in the halls asking students to put their masks on, anything would be more helpful than how things are currently. The universal mask policy will continue as Westwood's students return to school. The only reason it was passed, was because the board wanted to make it look like they were doing something without pissing off people who were against the mandates. Parents on both sides of the issue participated via Zoom, and opinions on the need for students to wear masks were sharply divided. Going forward, wearing a mask indoors is optional in Wellesley and strongly advised for individuals with weakened immune systems, those who are at risk for . Districts have the option to keep the mandate in . A newly elected school board trustee plans to introduce a motion Tuesday to call for an emergency meeting to vote on bringing back mandatory masks at the city's largest school board. Some believed mask wearing was unnecessary because of low transmission rates among children and concern about the impact on students' social and emotional health. Dr. Nili . I really think that when it comes to safety, it should not be a choice.". Westwood High School. WESTWOOD, NJ The state executive order requiring masks in schools is set to expire Monday, and Westwood Schools will also be mask-optional. I can be reached by phone at 781-326-7500 x1340 or via e-mail at eparks@westwood.k12.ma.us . Municipal employees may remove their mask if working alone in a private office. Effective at 12:01am September 1st, 2021 face coverings are required for all individuals aged two years Updated 01/14/2022 at 12:11 p.m. Clarification has been made that the mandate specifically covers municipal buildings. Kara Buckley spoke in favor of the mask policy, noting that 400 kids have died nationwide of the coronavirus in recent months, according to the CDC, while 2,000 more have been hospitalized. This mandate applies regardless of an individual's vaccination status. Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. In place of the current mask mandate, the Department of Health will issue a new order requiring masks for everyone in small number of places. "The decision to mask or not mask our children should be entirely up to the parents.". "This is a temporary fix.". In addition, students exposed to this virus could spread it to their families, which would cause an even more significant chain reaction. The first mandate that everyone was pushing for literally let people opt out in two clicks. "At some point, we need to de-mask our children, but now is not the right time," suggested one parent weighing in over Zoom during the meeting's public comment section. At that time, officials figured a mask mandate could help businesses . Your email address will not be published. As Massachusetts sees another COVID-19 surge this winter, calls are growing for bringing back a statewide mask mandate. Schools Continues Steady Drop, Vaccine Disparity May Factor Into School Districts' Mask Decisions, How Did Maggie Hassan Get 1,100 Votes in a Town of 700 People? And the fact that a lot of students dont wear masks is just really annoying.. Town buildings, such as the public library, can still have their own mask policy after Board of Health declined to extend its January order requiring masks in all town buildings. Best of Century City Westwood 2021 Wearing a face-mask indoors is once again required regardless of vaccination status, how do locals feel about the new mandate? At Wedgewood Weddings, we make things delightfully easy! Persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines. At its meeting on February 15, 2022, Westwood's Board of Health has decided to allow the expiration of its current mandate that face coverings be worn in town buildings. By order of Westwood's Board of Health, a mask mandate is currently in effect in all of the town'smunicipal buildings. Let Yourself Relax. It did absolutely nothing and nobody enforced it. Parents should monitor their children for symptoms and keep them home if they are ill. One new policy that will be implemented for districts including Westwood that opt to stay in the state's testing program. Friends of Dedham Civic Pride's Beer and Wine Tasting Two Weeks Away, Inflation Affecting 2022 Pumpkin Prices In Dedham, Hebrew SeniorLife Hiring Event For Nurses. On September 23, the account tweeted, "MASK UPDATE: @LApublichealth has updated its local health order: Masks are no longer required to ride Metro and transit in LA County EFFECTIVE TODAY. Imposing a statewide mandate for wearing masks in indoor public places threatens to raise the ire of Californians who might still be undecided or wavering over Newsom's recall, Stutzman said. Photo courtesy of CSUF Photos. However, we are far from perfect. Ultimately, Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez recommended that masks be required for all students, staff, and visitors with the exception of those with documented health and . In: COVID-19 Boston Coverage; First published on February 8, 2022 / 1:40 PM The first came in May 2020 as the city's initial COVID-19 wave receded. Strict physical distancing will not be able to be enforced because of the decrease in staff from last year and the space limitations of the school buidings now that rooms are returning to regular use. No vote was taken on the matter after more than an hour of feedback from concerned parents because it was a continuation of current policy. Last week, the Round Rock Independent School District passed a new mask mandate that requires students to wear masks, with the only way to opt-out being medical conditions that restrict their ability. "We have a responsibility as a school committee and as an administration to the entire district, to every kid in the district, to keep our kids medically safe," Lewis said. The mandate was passed last Thursday, but it has not made much difference. If there were a system of staggering release times by classroom (such as even-numbered classrooms leaving two minutes before the bell), everyone would be safer, and the halls wouldnt have as much traffic. "I was very happy because I hate masks," admitted Rose's 11-year-old daughter, Delaney. Theres really only two main hallways to get from one class to the other on the first floor. After that, they held another meeting to get rid of the opt out. "In medical circles, this is not a controversial point," he said. Edwards issued a statewide mask mandate. Dr. Christian spoke with Westwood Minute the day after BOH decided against extending its mask mandate. Turns Out She Didn't, Every Vote Counts: NH House Recounts Flip 2 Seats, Empty Dorms at Salem State to Be Used for Temporary Housing, Man Charged With Kidnapping, Raping Woman in Attack That Started at MBTA Station, 4 Dogs Missing After House Fire in Bellingham. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. With over 10,000 5-star reviews, numerous awards, and nearly 40 years of experience . Town of Wellesley. I also believe that there should be more effort to enforce the mask mandate to its core purpose for almost every student to remain masked. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. Masks should fit properly over the nose and mouth. If there are repeat offenders who consistently are not wearing their masks, there should be some small repercussions because the safety of students is more important than someone who chooses not to wear a mask when they are able to. Westwood Baptist Church. Meanwhile, 72 per cent of people said they would mask under a mandate. Others called for an end to the mandate in Westwood. The Canton Board of Health has decided to tie the mask mandate - which requires everyone 2 and older to wear a mask at all indoor public spaces - to the town's community transmission level as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and . Dr. Henry D'Angelo has been the school doctor for about 20 years. Parents attending a Westwood School Committee meeting Thursday night were torn over what to do about masks after Massachusetts decided Wednesday to let its statewide school mask requirement expire on Feb. 28. The five-member committee was more united in its decision, voting unanimously not to continue mandating masks past the end of February. Parents also voiced their opinions during the meeting, with the responses divided. District Facebook: westwoodschools. First Church Friday Folk Coffeehouse presents Badger and Nault! He recommended the wearing of masks for students, as did several medical professionals on the call. If they are in a shared space, employees may remove their masks whenspaced at least six feet apart. Information has also now been added about medical exceptions. "We're not tatooing the masks on," she added. The order is currentlyeffective from January 13, 2022 through 11:59 p.m. on February 27, 2022. As of March 7, 2022 the Town of Wellesley's indoor mask mandate for municipal buildings, issued by the Board of Health and Select Board on September 1, 2021, is lifted. For Breaking News Alerts like this straight to your email, subscribe to Westwood Minute's email newsletter! Updated Mask Policy8/20/21. health mandate, the following indoor mask mandate in the Town of Canton. 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Official Publications from the U.S. Government Publishing Office. The decision from Gov. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Westwood building at 94 . Dr. Barbara Ferrer of LA County Public Health said, "But the vast . An exception applies to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability. RRISD Tightens Mask Mandate. If Im kind of near them, Id rather not be, because they arent wearing their masks.. The Special Town Meeting Documents for November 14, 2022 are now available for viewing! "I think it's important to start with that premise.". The board had issued an order on January 11, 2022 that required face coverings for any person entering any municipal building for any purpose, regardless of vaccination . He noted that he and Ms. Ahearn did not feel strongly aboutcontinuing the masking requirement, in light of the fact that so many schools and towns are in the process of dropping their face covering mandates. In an order dated January 11, 2022 andsigned by the board's Chairperson Roger Christian M.D., the board requires thatall individuals aged 5 years and older wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when entering a municipal building "for any purpose." Select Board Meeting: Open Seat on SB, Mask Mandate, Reuse of Obed Baker House, School Committee Received Over 400 Comments on Masking Policy Before Rescinding It, School Mask Requirement Ends February 28, 2022 (Updated), A Recusal and a Disclosure by Select Board Members, and Reviewing Actions Under Westwood's Comprehensive Plan, Highlights from Select Board's last meeting, Police Log: College Students Charged with Felony for Larceny over $1,200 and Other Stories, Catalytic converter and airbag thefts from vehicles, Westwood School Committee Changes 2023-24 School Start Times, Gives Sleep Deprived High Schoolers Extra Time in Morning, High school will start later for 2023-24 school year, How to Participate in Town Government - Week of November 13, 2022, PB considers action under Comprehensive Plan, reviews possible zoning changes, Westwood's Thurston Middle Schoolers Take to the Tree Tops, Field trip bonding experience for middle school students, Westwood Community Chest Launches Annual Fundraiser, Offers Financial Assistance to Westwood Residents, WCC grants available for home heating costs, other necessities, Local Realtor Organizing Thanksgiving Baskets for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Community service opportunity: Give a Thanksgiving meal, Country Ski & Sports Donates 1,000 Coats to Area Non-Profits, Weekend Forecast for Westwood Friday, Nov 11 - Sunday, Nov 13, Veterans Day is Friday, November 11, 2022, Veterans Have Fought in Wars - and Fought Against Them, Westwood's Temple Beth David Joins Global Remembrance of Holocaust, Kristallnacht - the Night of Broken Glass. The committee cited high vaccination rates, low COVID-19 infections and the availability of masks and testing at school. The state's school mask mandate is set to expire on February 28, . COVID-19 Public Health Mandate of the Canton Board of Health Notice is hereby given that on August 30, 2021 the Canton Board of Health adopted the following emergency . Westwood students need to do a better job at following the Round Rock Independent School Districts mask mandate. However, the only issue is that students would get to class at different times, so tardiness would have to be excused. "We care about every kid in our district, including those with vulnerabilities. Thanks to Dr. Roger Christian for speaking with Westwood Minute. Masks dangle from hands as people stroll in the French Quarter on the day that the CDC announced that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 did not have to wear masks outdoors in New Orleans . Ontario lifted most of its remaining mask mandates for the final time in June of this year, but many doctors are calling . In response to Select Board Member Robert Gotti's question of whether the mask mandate applies to Westwood's schools, Mr. Orsini replied that School Committee is the decision-maker for schools. Member Carol Lewis said she is in favor of universal masking. The mask mandate announced Tuesday is the city's third. Called "test and stay," it will allow students who are exposed to COVID-19 while in school and are asymptomatic to wear masks and maintian three feet of distance where possible. Westwood Student Press intends for this comment area to foster welcoming, thought-provoking discussion. Tina Collins advocated for parental choice on masking, noting there is no current federal or state mandate. Charlie Baker leaves school districts to decide whether to continue mandating masks. 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