Wood BOE removes mask mandate
PARKERSBURG - The Wood County Board of Education has approved changes to Wood County Schools’ Covid-19 mitigation plan.
Beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022), masks for students and staff will be optional at all schools. Individuals may wear masks if they choose.
The board approved the revisions at its Tuesday, Feb. 8 meeting by a 3-2 vote. The changes take effect Wednesday, Feb. 9.
Board members Justin Raber, Rick Olcott and Debbie Hendershot voted to approve the changes. Board members Ron Tice and Judy Johnson voted against.
The changes also ends contact tracing by schools and school personnel.
Approved Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022
Wood County Schools Universal Masking Policy Effective February 9, 2022
It is the intent of the Board of Education to comply with laws while promulgating the following universal mask policy:
- In the West Virginia Department of Education Updated COVID-19 Protocols dated January 31, 2022, it is stated that “Given the quick spread of the Omicron variant and its rapid clinical course, it has made contact tracing in schools impracticable when combined with the newly reduced timelines for quarantine and isolation set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
- Quarantining shall be in accordance with DHHR written directions/state code. The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department has the quarantine authority as quarantining is a codified jurisdiction of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.
- Employees of the Wood County Board of Education are not required to perform duties outside of regular school hours or required to work overtime to assist the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department with contact tracing. Wood County Board of Education Employees will not perform contact tracing on behalf of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.
- The policy passed by the Wood County Board of Education does not preclude anyone from wearing a proper health mask as long as the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department continues to recommend universal mask wearing.
- The Superintendent may make other necessary actions and may implement practices, including but not limited to mitigation measures that he deems necessary in response to the COVID-19 pandemic/endemic, provided such actions and practices are consistent with the rules and policies of the Board.