This communication will provide a brief summary of information that was received yesterday from Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding indoor face coverings in K-12 school settings.
Governor Newsom’s Announcement Regarding Masks:
On February 28, 2022, Governor Newsom, in a joint statement with Governors from Oregon and Washington, announced that the state indoor mask mandate for schools will expire after March 11, 2022. The updated guidelines are related to trends such as declining hospitalization rates and other COVID-19 metrics continuing to decline.
California is moving from the COVID pandemic to the COVID endemic response. As such, Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD) will remain aligned with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (SBCDPH), CalOSHA and other appropriate agencies.
Superintendent’s Direction for OMSD:
Beginning March 12, 2022, face coverings will be strongly recommended, but not required for all school employees and students in OMSD. Although the state of California continues to recommend face coverings in K-12 school settings, the mandates related to indoor mask wearing in school ends.
OMSD will continue to remain steadfast in maintaining safe learning and working environments for students, staff and families. As we move towards the endemic approach, we will continue to do so with respect and civility towards one another.
Our continued commitment to providing safe learning/working environments for all, remains a top priority for OMSD and we thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
James Q. Hammond, Ed.D.
Superintendent
