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Here's what the MI schools roadmap says about face masks for students, teachers

Posted at 4:48 PM, Jun 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-30 16:48:31-04

LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The State of Michigan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled the "MI Safe Schools Roadmap" on Tuesday which gives requirements and recommendations for districts making plans for students to return to school in the fall.

Related: READ HERE: State releases 'MI Safe Schools Roadmap' for kids to return to school

The roadmap outlines dozens of recommendations and requirements depending on what phase the state is in, and that includes the use of face masks and other facial coverings.

Related: What the 'MI Safe Schools Roadmap' says for school sports

Details about what is said for face masks in each phase below.

Phase 4

Face masks would be required by staff all the time except for meals. They may be homemade or disposable, but any staff member who cannot tolerate a face mask will not have to wear one.

On top of that, all bus preK-12 students in the buildings must wear face masks during bus transportation, in hallways and common areas except for meals. Bus drivers will also have to wear one.

Those students in grades 6-12 must also wear a face mask in the classroom, and students in grades K-5 must wear face masks unless they remain with their classes the entire school day and do not come into close contact with students in another class.

It is also strongly recommended that facial coverings be considered for K-5 students with special needs in classrooms, and should be considered in hallways and common areas.

Children under the age of 2 should not wear face masks, and they are not recommended for use in classrooms for kids age 3-4.

Adult guests should also wear face masks when visiting the building, and it's recommended that students wear them during recess if more than one class is outside.

Phase 5

Some things that were required in phase 4 becomes "strongly recommended" in phase 5.

That includes staff wearing them and students from preK-12 wearing
them in hallways and common areas.

It is "recommended" that facial coverings be worn in classrooms for grades 6-12, and that they be considered for K-5 students and students with special needs.

It is also "strongly recommended" that bus drivers and all students wear them on buses.

Phase 6

Phase 6 doesn't say anything regarding facial coverings, but does say that in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19, there may be a short-term dismissal for cleaning if the person was in the building without a face mask on.

READ THE ENTIRE PLAN BELOW
Michigan unveils plan for students to return to school in the fall by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

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