It’s Masks Off in Pasadena Schools Monday

California’s new COVID guidance for public schools went into effect Saturday, meaning indoor masking at schools will no longer be required.

Masks won’t be mandatory but they will be strongly recommended indoors at Pasadena Unified schools and childcare sites starting this Monday, March 14, the District said Friday.

The relaxed rules come in response to declining COVID-19 cases, fewer hospitalizations, and increasing vaccination rates.

“Our decisions are guided by science and influenced by parents, teachers, staff, and, above all, our students,” Superintendent Brian McDonald said Friday in a community email.

McDonald said PUSD masking mandates remain in place in the following circumstances:

• Exposed students, identified as close contacts, must wear masks for 10 days after exposure.

• Exposed students who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated must wear masks upon returning to school from quarantine from Day 6 through Day 10.

• Students and staff members on a bus or other PUSD transportation must wear masks at all times.

• Students and staff on a field trip at a public facility must wear masks while indoors.

• Students, staff, and community members at a PUSD testing or vaccination clinic must wear masks.

• Masks will also be required in the school Health Offices and the PUSD Primary Clinic as these offices provide health care.

McDonald also urged parents/guardians to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. The State of California has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be a required vaccination (with options for personal exemptions) once it receives full FDA approval, he said.