On May 17, Governor Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released updated guidance on face coverings in school settings. After consultation with Newton HHS and members of our Medical Advisory Group, NPS will align its face covering protocol with the new guidance from the state. We understand this guidance to be based upon the CDC recommendations and findings that risk of outdoor transmission is very low. The changes are noted below:

• Masks will no longer be required when students are outdoors during the school day on school grounds, even if distance cannot be maintained. This includes recess, physical education, and outdoor learning environments.
• Adults must continue to wear masks outdoors if distancing cannot be maintained.
• At this time, adults and students must continue to wear masks indoors.

Guidance was also released with regard to face coverings in youth sports. Following the governor’s announcement, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) released guidance for school sports. NPS will follow the guidance issued by MIAA, which indicates the following (among other details):

• Masks will no longer be required for athletes competing outdoors or for athletes competing indoors in sports defined as “low-risk” in which 14 ft. of distance is consistently maintained. Details on the MIAA guidance can be found linked here.

These changes will be in effect beginning Thursday, May 20, 2021.