Masks are again mandated for students and staff inside Rochester schools when social distancing isn't possible.

The Rochester School Board approved a mask mandate be reinstated for schools in the system with the increase in Covid activity and Fulton County, once again, in the Red category on the state’s coronavirus dashboard map.

The board met for a two hour study session before opening the meeting at 6:30 pm Tuesday.  

Superintendent Jana Vance says the mask mandate for students and staff will be effective Thursday.

Gaiters and cloth masks will be accepted for most.  However, in the case of contact tracing students will be provided with a surgical type, medical mask.

The superintendent notes Governor Holcomb’s most recent executive order that allowed for reducing quarantines if masks were being used.

Vance says the decision and the ongoing battle with rising cases is beyond frustrating.

Again, the Rochester mask mandate is effective starting on Thursday and will be reviewed, much the same way as the governor’s executive order, each month.