The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Where metro schools stand on mask policies amid omicron
Metro Atlanta school districts remain split on the issue of masks, even with the rise in coronavirus cases due to the omicron variant.
Some districts are holding fast to their decisions from the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year to require masks or keep them optional. Others pivoted in the fall semester based on the rate of COVID-19 transmission in their communities.
Most districts still require masks on buses.
Here’s a snapshot of where metro districts now stand:
Atlanta Public Schools
Masks have been required in buildings and on buses since the school year began in August.
Starting Feb. 1, officials have proposed making mask rules dependent on community transmission levels. If the level is low or moderate for two weeks, then masks will be optional. If the level is substantial or high, masks will be required.
Buford City Schools
Masks have been optional since August.
Cherokee County School District
Masks have been optional since August.
City Schools of Decatur
Masks have been required since August.
COVID-19 vaccines: Required for staff, unless exempted. Booster shots required by the end of January.
Clayton County School District
Masks have been required since August.
Cobb County School District
Masks have been optional since August. Students who were exposed to COVID-19 at school and return to class in-person must temporarily wear masks indoors.
DeKalb County School District
Masks have been required since August.
Douglas County School System
Masks are required only on buses. They became optional in secondary schools Nov. 8, and optional in elementary schools Dec. 13.
Fayette County Public Schools
Masks have been optional since October, after being required in August.
Forsyth County Public Schools
Masks have been optional since August.
Fulton County Schools
Masks will be required from Jan. 10 through Jan. 21, according to an announcement made New Year’s Eve. Masks have been optional in most schools since early November. That’s when the district changed its universal masking policy that had been based on community infection rates.
Instead, it required masks to be worn only in schools with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
The district then made masks entirely optional 30 days after children ages 5-11 became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Currently, masks are only required in schools on a case-by-case basis. Masks may be required in certain classes or grade levels for defined periods of time, as recommended by the Fulton County Board of Health. Masks are required on buses.
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Masks have been required since August. The district revised its policy in November to allow for masks to become optional in January if transmission rates are low enough. Gwinnett officials announced that current rates still exceed that threshold, meaning masks will be mandated in all buildings when the second semester begins.. Masks will still be required on buses.
Henry County School District
Masks are optional. They were required at the start of the school year and became optional Oct. 15
Marietta City Schools
Masks have been required since August.