Duluth Public Schools dropping mask requirement Monday

Duluth Public Schools will drop their mask requirement starting Monday, March 7.

The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control reported that community spread of COVID-19 has dropped to the "low" level in St. Louis County, and also updated masking guidelines.

In a news release, Superintendent John Magas said he is pleased that the district has reached the point when the mask requirement can be dropped and said the district appreciates parents’ patience during the pandemic.

"We also want students, staff and families to know we fully support those who still want to wear masks. Bullying or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated," Magas said.

The district’s news release cautioned that families should keep masks on hand in case the requirement is reimposed.

The CDC’s COVID-19 community levels are updated each Thursday. If levels rise and the district needs to resume the mask requirement, parents will be informed by Friday afternoon and the change will take place the following Monday.

The district may also implement a ten-day mask mandate if transmission within district buildings becomes significantly high.

The district’s preschool department will continue to follow current federal mask mandates.