Over the past several weeks, Shaker Heights and Cuyahoga County have seen a dramatic drop in the COVID-19 case rate. So far this week, the District has received notification of only one case.
While our protocols have been necessary during times of increased COVID-19 spread, it is also important to ease these during low transmission periods within our community. Many other area schools and school districts are adjusting their protocols accordingly. Additionally, the CDC has indicated it may loosen its mask guidance in the coming days.
Therefore, due to the significant decrease in cases, the District plans to adjust the following guidelines beginning Tuesday, March 1:
- PreK-12: Masks will be optional for students, staff, visitors and volunteers while indoors.
- Bus Riders & Transportation Staff: Per federal public transportation guidelines, masks will continue to be mandatory on all school buses, including for field trips and extracurricular activities.
Please note, per current CDC and ODH guidance, any student or staff member who returns to school following a COVID-19 diagnosis and five-day isolation period is required to wear a mask for five days in lieu of a 10-day quarantine. Students who have been exposed as a close contact of an individual with COVID-19 are also required to wear a mask for 10 days under the State of Ohio’s Mask-to-Stay policy to be eligible to continue to attend school.
This change in guidance is dependent on continued low COVID-19 case rates within our schools and our community. Accordingly, families and staff should continue to report any COVID-19 cases through the District’s
COVID-19 Case Reporting Google Form.