DeKalb County, GA — The DeKalb County School District on Tuesday announced that it would lift its mask mandate on March 2.

Mask-wearing will be “strongly encouraged” for all students, staff and visitors. The move follows a decision by Atlanta Public Schools and City Schools of Decatur to lift their mask mandates.

“DCSD is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff,” the announcement from the School District says. “The district reviews the COVID-19 case data and status reports for the school district and DeKalb County. In collaboration with the DCSD’s Medical Advisory Committee, all information is utilized to make decisions on mask-wearing and other mitigation strategies. On Feb. 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its procedures to assist communities with monitoring the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 Community Levels tool helps communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels are classified as low, medium, or high and are determined by evaluating specific indicators. Currently, in DeKalb County, the community level is low.”

Here’s more information from DeKalb County Schools:

The district recommends:

– Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines

– Getting tested if you have symptoms

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19 should continue to follow all district-wide protocols and consistently and correctly wear masks to protect others as well as themselves.

DCSD will continue the following:

– Reporting positive COVID-19 cases and exposures utilizing the portal;

– Implementing mitigating strategies in all school and district facilities; and

– Offering surveillance testing in schools and central offices.

The district also reserves the right to update this information based on changes in the COVID-19 Community Levels and guidance. For more information on the district’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/covid-19-health-and-safety.

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