Lincoln Public Schools says beginning January 4th face coverings will be required for everyone inside all LPS buildings and buses at all grade levels during the school day, and before and after school during school sponsored activities during the month of January.
“We have been monitoring community conditions over Winter Break and consulting with local health officials in determining protocols to help keep our schools open and our students and staff in school,” says Superintendent Steve Joel. “We have to consider the health and well being of over 8,000 staff members and 41,000 students that are required to be in our buildings during the school day.”
Joel says other factors leading to the change include a rapid rise in positive COVID-19 cases in our community, new variants proving to be more contagious, booster vaccinations not yet available for children ages 12-15 and staffing and sub shortages due to illness.
“We know students need in-person learning, and we are using all of the tools proven to work to ensure that happens. Again, we will review our face covering requirements and announce any changes on January 28.”
LPS also worked with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to update the Quarantine and Exclusion protocols following the new guidelines released by the CDC last week.
Fore more details including a video statement from Dr. Joel click here.