Masks mandate dropped on Charlotte-Mecklenburg school buses, vans
Buses will now join school buildings as mask-optional places in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
The district announced Friday evening that it will follow updated CDC guidance and, as of March 7, no longer require masks on buses or vans operated by public or private schools.
CMS’ Board of Education voted Feb. 22 to make masks optional in CMS facilities — such as classrooms and other indoor spaces — effective March 7.
Although masks will be optional, CMS does recommend that masks be worn when indoors. The policy change — ushered in by Mecklenburg County dropping its local mask requirement last month, and state officials recommending the same — means that the choice is up to families regarding whether their students wear a mask.
The CMS board will continue to review the district’s mask policy at least once each month, as required by state law.
CMS has been following state and county COVID-19 rules and related restrictions since the beginning of the school year, when COVID-19 vaccines were unavailable for children younger than 12. Masks were required indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services StrongSchools Toolkit has been updated to reflect that CDC guidance is that masks no longer be required on buses or vans operated by public or private schools.
This story was originally published March 4, 2022 at 5:19 PM.
