Masks optional but strongly encouraged in Philadelphia School District
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's decision time for parents and guardians in the Philadelphia School District. For the first time this school year, masks are optional, despite the city having a high transmission rate.
"It concerns me because you'll never know what will happen about outbreak as well," Sharon Suardi, a student, said.
However, the district says masks are still strongly encouraged.
In a letter sent to families Thursday, the district says it has revised its general COVID-19 protocol for the school year.
The Philadelphia School District may temporarily reinstate a masking requirement in certain cases, including when the COVID-19 community level is high, based on CDC guidelines.
The CDC's current guidelines recommend universal masking only when there are high transmission rates, but the map shows COVID levels are high in Philadelphia, despite infections trending down.
There were 148 new cases a day over the last week.
"I think it's good because, like, kids get to express the way they feel about whether they want to or not," Kalima Durham said.
Overall in Philadelphia, masks are strongly recommended in indoor public settings. The CDC is rating transmission in the region as high.
"We will evaluate the data as the CDC community transmission levels and you know, consider putting the masking back on if we have two consecutive weeks of being in high transmission for the city," Dr. Kendra McDow said.
McDow is the Philadelphia School District's medical officer.
"We're really focused on time-limited masking, so not having kids mask the entire school year, but short bursts of masking as needed to tamp down on that in school transmission," McDow said.
The district has also eased other safety measures. Students and staff who are exposed no longer have to quarantine at home, but can return to school masked for 10 days. Those who test positive must isolate and can return after five days symptom-free.
The district is hoping to get more students vaccinated. Currently, only 39% of five to 11-year-olds have received one dose.
Some people say it is a concern while others are excited to take the mask off.
"I think children should be able to see the other children's faces and their teachers' faces," a parent said. "And, also, I don't think these masks protecting them pretty much unless they are wearing N-95 or something."
"It's a lot better because it's hard when you're like catching your breath, trying to get a drink of water, it's very stuffy and some rooms don't even have air conditioning," student Alison Samuel said.
Aleena Thomas isn't ready to get rid of the mask just yet.
"It's gonna take a long time for me to stop, like, wearing it, so I feel like I'm just gonna wear it for this year too. Maybe next year I might stop," Thomas said.
The city is averaging about 190 new cases a day with 200 hospitalizations.
To further support healthy school environments, district leaders are encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated.
The district also says they are working with the Department of Health to monitor monkeypox cases. They say, currently, transmission is low but they want parents to be aware of the symptoms.