Update on Masks in Schools

From the Maine Department of Education (11/20/20)

Increase structure around mask breaks:  In addition to the time during which students may be eating or drinking with a minimum of 6’ physical distancing, school staff should offer only highly structured and well supervised mask breaks during the school day. Such mask breaks should be limited to 5 minutes each, up to a maximum of 15 minutes per day. Breaks should take place in a classroom cohort when possible.  
During mask breaks, individuals:

• Must be stationary, ideally seated – or standing still if outdoors. Mask breaks should no longer take place during free-play/recess. 
• Must be at least 6 feet from one another 
• Should be facing the same direction 
• Should not engage in conversation or other activity that could spread the virus (silent reading or a writing prompt or other individual activity is ideal).