LYNN — Students will no longer need to wear masks outside of school — even if social distancing cannot be maintained — and can now share objects with one another, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler announced on Friday.
Tutwiler outlined the changes in a letter sent home to families, which he said were part of the district’s plans to follow new recommendations from Gov. Charlie Baker.
“With approval of the city’s health director and Lynn Public Schools Nursing Department, we intend to embrace these changes,” Tutwiler said.
Masks that completely cover the nose and mouth will still be required indoors, and at least three feet of social distance must be maintained inside school buildings, Tutwiler said.
In his letter, Tutwiler said the district has “successfully transitioned all grades to five days of in-person learning,” this week with the full-time return of high school students on Monday.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your cooperation and partnership over the past month,” Tutwiler said. “This could not be achieved without your support.”
While the final day of the school year is only about a month away, Baker continues to update school safety protocols.
On May 17, Baker said that he had consulted with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center’s Medical Advisory Board before making his announcement that masks would no longer be needed outside of schools and classroom materials, such as art supplies and items for physical education, could be shared.
“I have said from the beginning that the extent to which we stay together will only yield the best outcomes and experience for our students,” Tutwiler said. “I think we have done just that, and I look forward to our continued partnership and a strong close to the year.”
