Novi Times

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools recently issued the following announcement.

As you know, last week the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) announced they will be rescinding their Emergency Order for Pandemic Control (2021-1) from August 2021 which required schools to implement universal masking. This change will take effect on Monday, February 28, 2022.  

As the OCHD has determined that universal mask wearing is no longer necessary in schools, effective Monday, February 28, the Walled Lake Consolidated School District (WLCSD) will no longer require universal mask wearing in our school buildings and offices.

Please review the following information related to this update:

• Isolation/Quarantine - At this time, OCHD’s isolation guidelines will still be in effect despite the change in masking requirements. COVID-19 positive students and staff will still need to isolate themselves for the minimum five days. 
  • Asymptomatic students and staff and those that are exhibiting an improvement in symptoms will have the ability to return to school on days six through 10 of the isolation period provided the individual wears a mask during that time period. If mask wearing is not an option, that individual must isolate for the full 10 days before returning to school. 
  • Symptomatic students and staff who are not showing an improvement in symptoms will be required to continue isolating until that criteria is met, possibly up to and including day 10.
• Transportation - In accordance with the CDC Order issued February 21, 2021, masks are required for all staff and students while on school buses until further notice. 
• Head Start classrooms - In accordance with federal law, students and staff in our District’s Head Start classrooms must continue to wear a mask. This program is federally funded and thus subject to federal masking requirements. 
• Performing Arts/Athletics - As part of the lifted mask requirements, students involved in performing arts and athletics are no longer subject to the previous mask requirements associated with these activities. 
• Rentals/Community Education - Outside groups and programs are no longer subject to the masking requirements formerly associated with utilizing our school buildings and facilities following this lifted requirement. 

The OCHD strongly recommends wearing a mask while in public, indoor settings.  Individual decisions related to continued masking in WLCSD will be left to the discretion of students, families, and staff members.

It should be noted that any bullying, harassment, or discrimination related to a student’s masking choices will not be tolerated. Any individuals engaging in such acts will be subject to the Code of Conduct.

Should we receive any further guidance from the OCHD between now and Feb. 28, we will be sure to share that information with you in a timely manner. For more information, please visit the OCHD website: www.oakgov.com/covid

Original source can be found here.