Henderson Schools announce mask policy for upcoming school year

HENDERSON, Ky. — Face coverings will be optional when Henderson County Schools open for the 2021-22 school year.

However, social distancing, sanitization procedures, contact tracing and other policies implemented in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic will remain at least partially in place, according to the county's Healthy at School guidelines released Monday and signed by superintendent Dr. Bob Lawson. The guidelines align with recommendations from Kentucky Department of Public Health.

The school system will continue to work with the Green River District Health Department to monitor local case numbers and follow guidance from the state departments of public health and education.

On July 23, the Green River District Health Department reported 240 new cases of COVID-19 for the previous seven days, including 53 in Henderson County. The department called recent increases in COVID-19 cases in the region "alarming" with the Delta variant of COVID-19 now being the dominant strain in the state. 

More:Henderson County reports 56 new COVID-19 cases in the past week; Webster County in the 'red'

More:Delta variant causes 'significant' COVID growth in Kentucky. Beshear updates mask guidance

The release from the school district notes that the plan is "subject to change" should case numbers rise locally to the point action is needed.

Among the policies included in the plan are:

• Neither vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals will be required to wear a face covering. Those who choose to wear a mask will be allowed to do so.
• Vaccinated persons will not be required to quarantine following exposure to a COVID-19 patient if the vaccinated person is not experiencing symptoms.
• Proof of vaccination is not required.
• Mask wearing on school buses is "highly encouraged" but not mandated.
• Social distances of three feet whenever possible
• Students will practice proper handwashing techniques, with hand sanitizer available throughout the school building.
• Symptom screening and contact tracing protocols remain in place. 
• Parents and guardians are asked to monitor and screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms before sending the student to school.
• High traffic areas and buses will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
• Visitors will be limited. In addition, activities and field trips will be limited.

Henderson schools will be in session for traditional in-person instruction, five days per week, with the first day scheduled for Aug. 11. Alternative learning options can be explored by calling HCS Student Services at 270-854-0141.

"The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority," the release says. "...Any changes made to our guidelines will be communicated as soon as possible with our staff, students, family and community. We appreciate your patience and support this school year, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone back together again on August 11th."