CPS to require masks for all students, staff this fall

Chicago Public Schools announced Thursday that all students, teachers, support staff and visitors will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings when they return to school Aug. 30, regardless of vaccination status.

According to the announcement, the decision was based on feedback from the American Academy of Pediatrics and local, state and federal public health officials, with the goal of protecting students who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

CPS will allow students to remove their face coverings during outdoor activities such as recess and some sports.

Other components of the district's back-to-school safety plan include ensuring three feet of social distancing whenever possible; cleaning and disinfecting the schools; and having some students eat in school classrooms, while others eat in the cafeteria.