February 26, 2022
Dear Shaler Area Families,
On February 25th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance referred to as COVID-19 Community Levels (Low, Medium and High). These levels are used for determining when people should use masks and follow other COVID precautions based upon the potential for increased spread and strain on the health system. As our families are aware, the Shaler Area School District has and will continue to rely upon CDC guidance to guide our mitigation efforts through our Health & Safety Plan.
Allegheny County is now considered to be in the “LOW” community level. Please see the chart below for recommendations for each community level.
Low | Medium | High |
| | |
At all levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. |
Given the changes indicated above, effective immediately face masks will no longer be required in Shaler Area School District at any time, including on school buses and vans. While the District hopes to remain in a mask optional environment for the remainder of the school year, please note that if we discover rising case counts in our schools, classrooms or transition to a high community level per the CDC, the District will reinstate the universal masking policy.
Additional information pertaining to modifications to the District’s procedures for contact tracing and quarantine/isolation will be shared early next week.
We thank you for your patience, cooperation and collaboration as we continue to work together to create a safe learning environment for our students and staff.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sean C. Aiken
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Bryan E. O’Black
Deputy Superintendent