Beech Tree News Network

Despite efforts by many school districts across Kentucky to design instruction based on social distancing to limit mask wearing, Governor Andy Beshear's administration and the Kentucky Department of Education have apparently tightened that guidance to now suggest that face masks be worn by students and staff at all times in school buildings except when eating or drinking. 

The updated recommendation was issued as part of a broader document - Guidance of Safety Expectations and Best Practices for Kentucky Schools (K-12) - that state officials have provided to local districts as they continue to develop plans to reopen schools to in-person instruction.

 The document states the following:  “The use of cloth face coverings (masks) should be required by all students and staff at all times while in the building or on the bus, unless medically waivered. Students and staff should only lower their masks while actively eating or drinking.”

The provision regarding facemasks is included in the category defined as “safety expectations,” which the document states “must be implemented by schools, as determined by the Kentucky Department for Public Health.”  

Previously, guidelines for students and staff followed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and advised mask wearing when moving or when people are within six feet from each other.

According to a story in the Courier-Journal, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said wearing masks at all times in school, even when students and staff are farther than 6 feet apart, would be preferred in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

In response to the new guidance issued by the Kentucky Department, Butler County Schools’ Superintendent Robert Tuck issued the following statement via a one-call communication on Wednesday.  

“Butler County Schools is committed to providing the In-Person school option that many parents have shown to need for their children.  We are committed to the mental, emotional, academic, and physical well-being of our students as we move forward. We know that there will be many adjustments and changes that we will face moving forward in this school year as we face this fluid situation. 

The Kentucky Department of Education has imposed a new mandate yesterday regarding face masks. The new mandate now dictates that students in first through twelfth grade wear masks in all settings regardless of social distancing.  The only exceptions are when students are eating or drinking or when they are outdoors with social distancing in place.  KDE requires us to follow this mandate in order to continue with in-person classes.  We know that in-person instruction is immeasurable.  We are committed to in person classes and will continue to make the necessary adjustments moving forward to provide this option for our students and families.   Thank you for your patience and continued support during these challenging times.”

Butler County Schools are currently set to begin in-person instruction on September 14.