Masks to become optional for Bibb County Schools starting March 1st

BIBB COUNTY, Georgia (KBTV)- Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones announced on February 22, 2022, that face masks will be optional in BCSD facilities and schools beginning March 1, 2022. The change in protocol is due to the current decrease in community spread for COVID-19.

Masks will still be required to be worn on school buses, per federal mandate. Any students or adults riding on buses – to or from school, for athletic trips, for field trips, etc. – are required to wear a face mask while on school buses.

The Bibb County School District will continue to monitor COVID-19 case data within schools and facilities; however, beginning next week, the District will no longer post weekly COVID-19 data to the District’s website. Parents will continue to receive School Messenger calls notifying them if their child has been in a classroom with an individual who has recently tested positive for COVID-19. This change in protocol aligns with changes being made by the North Central Health District. Community data will be available for public access through the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Q&A About Changes

Are students and staff still allowed to wear masks after March 1?Yes, students and staff may still choose to wear face masks. Learn more about the types of masks and respirators recommended by the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html.

Will students or staff returning from isolation or quarantine after Day 5 still be required to wear face masks? Yes, the District will continue to follow CDC guidance for those individuals returning from isolation or quarantine after Day 5. Students and staff attending school days 6-10 of their quarantine or isolation period will still be required to wear a face mask at school and eat in an isolated area through Day 10 to help ensure safety and decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Will masks be required in the future? The Bibb County School District will continue to monitor school-level and community data for COVID-19. If COVID-19 cases within the community, or within a specific school, begin to surge and the District deems it necessary, the District could consider implementing a temporary mask requirement at a specific school or throughout the District.

Will the District continue implementing safety measures? Yes, the District will continue implementing safety measures in schools and buildings.

• Bi-polar ionization units will still continue to be used in all District schools and facilities to purify the air and reduce the spread of germs.
• Schools may begin holding larger events with their students, but social distancing will still be a consideration.
• Students may begin returning to the cafeteria for meals, but leadership will remain mindful as they adjust these processes. Spaces will be cleaned frequently and desk shields may still be used.
• Access to buildings will still be limited for visitors and parents.
• Any approved volunteers must still have proof of vaccination.
• Vaccinations and boosters will continue to be encouraged for those eligible. Vaccination clinics will be held at schools and information about vaccinations will be shared with stakeholders.
• COVID-19 testing will still occur weekly on a voluntary basis for students and staff.
• Temperature scanners will still be available at the entry to each school building to help schools monitor temperatures as needed.
• Frequent breaks will still be provided for hand washing.
• Water fountains will remain touchless.