Wausau School District. MWC file photo.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Leaders in the Wausau School District have loosened yet another COVID-19 precaution.
Beginning Monday students will not be required to wear face coverings on buses. The decision comes following a decline in local infection numbers and recently clarification from the CDC which states that the TSA mask mandate does not apply to school buses.
Leaders emphasized that the decision only applies to buses operated by the Wausau School District. Any student utilizing a Wausau MetroRide bus will still be required to mask up, as those vehicles do fall under the CDC guidelines.
The announcement was made Friday morning in the form of the following note to parents:
“Good morning, Wausau School District Parents/Guardians:
As cases of COVID-19 continue to drop, school districts across the country are receiving new guidance as it relates to masking, including on school buses. What we’ve learned is that the CDC has clarified that the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) mask mandate for public transportation does not apply to schools. That means schools can choose, at their own discretion, whether or not to require masks on school buses. Given that new information, masks will be optional on all First Student school buses starting Monday, March 7, 2022. Masks are still required for those utilizing Metro Ride to get to and from school, as the TSA mandate still applies there. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s principal.
Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility,
Wausau School District Administration“
