Richmond County Schools Mask Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announce updated guidance in regards to the spike in Covid-19 cases on Tuesday. As a response to their announcement, the Richmond County School System has made adjustments to their back-to-school plans.
As of August 2, 2021, masks will be required for all (K-12) students, staff and visitors to all Richmond County School System facilities. This also includes on busses.
Elementary students will go back to school on Thursday, August 5. Students K-8, along with Middle and High Schools will start on Monday, August 9.
Masks can be removed during lunch and while outside. Accommodations will be made for students and employees who are unable to wear masks due to medical reasons.
They will continue to partner with the Department of Public Health to make any adjustments in response to changes.
Full Press Release:
For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2021
Richmond County School System to Implement Updated CDC and DPH Mask Guidance
(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – In response to updated guidance for K-12 schools issued on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and with the safety of its nearly 30,000 students and 4,000 employees as a priority, the Richmond County School System (RCSS) has updated its back-to-school plans to require masks. This decision is based on the School System’s collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH), current CDC recommendations and COVID-19 conditions in Richmond County – including positive case data, vaccine eligibility and vaccination rates.
Beginning August 2, 2021, masks will be required for all (K-12) students, staff, and visitors to all Richmond County School System facilities and on school buses, regardless of vaccination status.
RCSS will reopen schools for in-person instruction for all students. Elementary students will start school on Thursday, August 5. Students in K-8, Middle and High Schools will start on Monday, August 9.
The School System will continue its partnership with the DPH to implement best practices in COVID-19 response and reporting. According to CDC and DPH guidance, students or staff identified as close contacts to a positive case for COVID-19 will not have to quarantine if both are properly wearing masks in the school setting.
Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside (on the playground, mask breaks, etc.). Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons.
As COVID-19 conditions in our community change and guidance from the CDC and DPH is updated, the Richmond County School System will update COVID-19 mitigation plans throughout the 2021–22 school year.
