A look into a few downtown Phoenix’s schools current mask mandates

By
Mason Ald
-

With the drop in COVID-19 cases and the widespread accessibility to vaccines, COVID-19 disruptions have decreased significantly in the Phoenix metro area. What does this mean?

As a result of the decline in cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Feb. 25 that masks are no longer necessary in certain scenarios. Schools have been lifting mask mandates in downtown Phoenix and across the city because of these new guidelines.

Here are a few of the many downtown schools that have lifted their mask mandates: 

Arizona School For The Arts

Where: 1410 N. Third Street

When: Monday, April 4

  • The Arizona School For The Arts has an optional mask policy. Its mandates change according to the regulation or public health guidelines provided by the state law. 
  • Considering it is a charter school, the Arizona School For The Arts requires no COVID-19 vaccinations in order to attend the facility in person, though these vaccines are encouraged as they are both accessible and affordable at the moment. 

Source: Gabby Maxwell, school receptionist 

Phoenix Elementary School District

Where: 1817 N. Seventh Street

When: Monday, April 25

  • The school board approved changes to the Phoenix Elementary School District’s COVID mitigation plan late night Thursday, April 7. The board is expected to approve face masks being an optional choice by Monday, April 25.
  • The Phoenix Elementary School District encourages eligible students to get vaccinated, but there is no current requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations. 
  • Water fountains will be reopened, social distancing will be eliminated on school buses and restrictions for visitors and volunteers will all be approved changes following the updated mitigation plan.

Source: Linda Jefferies, director of marketing communications at Phoenix Elementary School District

Phoenix Union High School District

Where: 4502 N. Central Avenue 

When: Monday, April 4

  • The Phoenix Union High School District both recommends and no longer requires staff, students and visitors to wear a mask indoors. 
  • Mitigation strategies such as purification and sanitization will still be implemented in order to follow health protocols. The spread of the virus will continue to be monitored and masking mitigation protocols will be adjusted according to data shifts. 
  • Virtual meetings are still in place for larger meetings such as district-wide conferences. 

Source: The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com, Phoenix Union High School District

Contact the reporter at mald1@asu.edu.