EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Grand County schools start with K-6 mask mandate in place

UPDATED: AUGUST 2, 2022 AT 12:38 PM

Schools in the Grand County district started school this week with a mask mandate for children in grades K-6. Stock photo: Canva

BY NICK WYATT
KSLNewsRadio

MOAB, Utah — Elementary schools in the Grand County School District started school Thursday as the only public K-6 institutions with a mask requirement.

Grand County School District plan for the 2021/2022 school year (courtesy: Grand County School District)

The Grand County Commission voted unanimously earlier this week to approve the mandate. It received support from the school district, the local health department, and a Moab-area hospital.

The requirement is limited to elementary schools since children under 12 are still ineligible for the vaccine. It is valid for 30 days unless the commission votes again to extend it.

Commission Chair Mary McGann said she has received several emails from the community thanking the commission for moving in this direction. One email came from a group claiming the mandate infringed upon the right of parents to make health decisions for their children, said McGann.

Further north, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall signed an order requiring masks in K-12 schools within city limits Friday afternoon.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Get a flu shot.