(Harlan) The Harlan School Board is going along with the Iowa Department of Public Health’s relaxing of the face mask mandate.
Harlan Schools Superintendent Lynn Johnson says the State Health Department now recommends COVID-19 be treated like any other childhood illness in schools and childcare settings. “It’s been our norm all along; our Board of Education has been committed to following the Iowa Department of Public Health and our local health departments’ guidance and adjusting our mandates and our requirements to keep everyone safe,” said Johnson. The IDPH released new recommendations and guidance, and our School Board chose to follow, as they have been all along.”
According to the new guidelines, exposed children no longer need to stay home regardless if there is a mask or not. The recommendation now allows students and parents to make their own decisions regarding mask usage. “That is what we have moved to, “said Johnson. “While on school property for school events and during the school days, parents and students can make their own decision in regards to face-covering usage. Again, we’ve trusted them all along, and they make their decisions based on scientific guidance. They’ve kept us safe to this point, and I suspect their guidance will keep us safe into the future as well.”
The Iowa Department of Public Health excludes individuals who test positive or are asymptomatic.
