Community Update on Removal of Mask Mandate
Posted on 02/24/2022
KN95 mask

Dear East Hartford Community,

I am writing today to provide additional details regarding the regulatory process of lifting the school mask mandate. As you are most likely aware, the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) will remove this state requirement on Monday, February 28th.

Based on consultation with local health officials and a review of decreasing virus trends and increasing vaccination rates, EHPS will continue to follow this regulatory guidance.  As such, starting on Monday, February 28th, masks will be recommended, not required, for all district schools with the exception of the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Hockanum School.  

Please note the following details regarding this next transition:

  • All students/staff must continue the self-screening process for COVID-19 symptoms.  If students or staff have any symptoms, they must isolate at home and test.  Thanks to a new allocation of COVID-19 test kits, EHPS will be providing two kits for all students.  Principals will provide additional communication regarding this allocation. 

  • Per CDC Guidance, students/staff who test positive for COVID-19 must notify their school nurse and isolate for 5 days.  If symptoms improve and students/staff are fever free for 24 hours, they may return to school or work but must wear a mask for days 6-10. 

  • EHPS will continue to notify the community of known COVID-19 cases by posting routine communications on the district page.  

  • Due to ongoing mandates from the Federal Government impacting the ECLC, all students and staff at our ECLC must continue to wear a mask until further notice.

  • Due to ongoing mandates from the Federal Government impacting public transportation, all students must continue to wear a mask while on school buses until further notice. 

We appreciate your continued support as we keep our children, faculty and community safe. 

 

Nathan Quesnel

Superintendent

East Hartford Public Schools