Rock Rapids, Iowa — A special meeting of the Central Lyon School Board was held Thursday to discuss expanding the district’s mask requirements in preschool through 4th Grade.
In an email to Central Lyon parents, Superintendent Brent Jorth said the board reviewed data concerning the number of students and staff impacted by COVID-19, heard from local healthcare partners, and reviewed the Governor’s most recent proclamation of enhanced mitigations strategies to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Jorth says that face masks must be worn by all students and staff at all times when social distancing is not possible. Gaiters and face shields are not approved as face masks, according to the Superintendent.
He says face masks need NOT be worn when eating or drinking, during PE class, during outdoor recess, or when participating in athletics.
He says special considerations will be made for health concerns of students and staff, on an individual basis.
The Central Lyon mask policy will be in effect until further notice, Jorth says.
In addition to the new face mask requirement, Jorth reiterated other mitigation strategies that Central Lyon’s healthcare partners have recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19:
If you or your student(s) have any of the following high-risk symptoms or two or more low risk symptoms, stay home from work and school, and follow-up with your healthcare provider:
High risk symptoms – new cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell.
Two or more low risk symptoms – fever, headache, muscle and body aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Avoid crowds and wear a mask as much as possible.
With the holidays just around the corner, please give strong consideration to limiting your plans to those only within your family group. And when around others outside your group, wear a mask.
Practice good hand hygiene and utilize hand sanitizer frequently.
All community members are strongly encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to use as necessary.
