Amherst Schools To Require KN95 Masks

Source: Amherst Regional Public Schools

Beginning Monday, January 10, surgical, KF94,or KN95 masks will be required for staff and students while in Amherst regional public school buildings during the school day while we are in the current surge. Those with a documented medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask will be exempt from this requirement. The district has a supply of  masks available and will distribute them to those who need them. The new policy was announced to parents in an email on January 4.

Families who have access to the required type of masks are asked to please continue to use their supply. For those with any access barriers (whether financial constraints or mask availability), masks will be available at each school. 

KF94 and KN95 masks can be used multiple times as long as they are not soiled at the end of a period of use. The recommendation is to rotate the masks, placing used masks in a paper bag for three to five days between uses.  Masks that are soiled should be discarded.

Rapid Test Kits Available
The District is making one rapid Covid test available to anyone identified as having a close COVID contact while at school.  If you are notified that you were a close contact of someone with COVID in the school setting, you may request a rapid test kit by emailing CloseContacts@arps.org.  Arrangements will be made for you to pick up a test kit at the Central Office at the middle school.  

Booster Eligibility Expanded
The FDA has approved use of booster vaccines for children ages 12-15.  The CDC expanded eligibility for COVID boosters to children ages 12-15 on January 5.