The Wichita School Board unanimously approved an indoors masks mandate for all children ages three and older at its meeting Monday night. The plan, which goes into effect on Monday, August 30th, is based on current information from state and local public health professionals and CDC guidelines.
According to data from the district, 94 students and 51 staff members are currently positive for the virus. Superintendent Alicia Thompson told board members that 1,612 students were in quarantine because of close contact with COVID-19.
Wichita, the state’s largest school district, has joined many other major Kansas school districts, including Topeka, requiring masks for students.
This week, the Sedgwick County Health Department started conducting COVID-19 vaccination clinics at district high schools. Anyone aged 12 and up is eligible to get the vaccination, although minor pupils must give parental permission.
For students ages 12-15, a parent must accompany the student to grant permission to receive the vaccine. Students ages 16-17 may bring a government-issued ID or driver’s license, and health officials’ will call parents to confirm consent.
The next vaccination clinic will be held at Wichita North High School on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. The board said that it would continue to examine local and state statistics and revisit the mask policy.