Cedar Rapids Schools Release Info About Ending Mask Mandate

Last week, the Cedar Rapids School District decided to reinstate their mask mandate. This followed an Iowa judge temporarily halting the state of Iowa's ban on schools being able to issue such mandates. The issue of masks in schools has continued to be a hot button topic this school year, with many parents coming down on both sides of the issue. Many wondered what it would take for the district to no longer require masks. Today, the school district sent out a letter to families outlining what would need to happen for the mandate to end.

KCRG reports that the Cedar Rapids School District plans to consider the following before they make any decision on ending the mask mandate.

• If a change is made to the temporary injunction to Iowa law, the CRCSD would no longer require students and staff to wear masks during the school day.
• Linn County 7 day positivity rate falls below 14%.
• Linn County transmission level falls below the epidemic level.
• School District has a positivity rate of below 2%.
• Linn County cases in age 0-17 reported below 10%.
• Vaccination status.
• Students age 12 and over having access to vaccines.
• Secondary and elementary schools have a total vaccination rate of over 50%.

KCRG reports that if the district does end up getting rid of the mask mandate, it could still issue temporary mask requirements if certain conditions warrant it. Whether or not you agree with masks back in schools, at least parents have an idea what the school district is looking at, and how it will determine how long the mandate will last.
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