MADISON, Wis. — Elementary and middle school students enrolled in the Madison Metropolitan School District will now have to wear masks at all outdoor events, the district announced Wednesday.
School officials said the requirement applies to staff, families and visitors at the district’s middle and elementary schools. It also applies to all after-school childcare and activities.
The new requirement will remain in place through the first quarter of the 2021-22 school year.
BREAKING: @MMSDschools now expanding mask requirement to now include wearing masks OUTDOORS for the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year for 4K-8th Graders. #News3Now
— Adam Duxter (@News3Adam) September 1, 2021
District spokesperson Tim LeMonds said in a statement that the decision was made “to stay ahead of evolving risks associated with the Delta variant on unvaccinated children.” No COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in children younger than 12.
RELATED: MMSD to require masks for everyone indoors and on buses to start school year
The requirement is the latest rule put in place in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus in district schools. Earlier this week, the district’s school board unanimously passed a resolution calling for a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all teachers and staff to help protect younger students who aren’t able to get vaccinated. The resolution asks the plan be presented for discussion by Sept. 20 so board members could vote on it as soon as Sept. 27.
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