Face coverings: expectations and guidelines for use in Anoka-Hennepin Schools
(08/07/2020) Face coverings are required by all who enter district schools or facilities, including all students K through 12, following the direction of a July 22 state order. Anoka-Hennepin Schools invites students to wear their own face coverings that follow the guidelines, and the district also has a supply of face coverings at school.
The use of face coverings is part of a system of protection and is an important aspect of maintaining a culture of health and safety among students and staff, which includes using social distancing, hand hygiene, and all the health and safety protocols in place.
Expectations for students: Face coverings can be paper or disposable, cloth, scarf, bandana or a religious face covering. The covering should cover the nose and mouth completely, should not be overly tight or restrictive, and should feel comfortable to wear. Face coverings are not required for children under age five and should not be placed on anyone under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance, or anyone who cannot tolerate a face covering due to a developmental, medical, or behavioral health condition.
Expectations for employees, vendors and the public: Employees are required to wear a face cover that covers their mouth and nose while working. It is more critical if they are in situations where they cannot maintain at least six feet between themselves and others or when they are in the presence of others for more than 15 minutes, regardless of physical separation. Employees are required to wear a face cover while working in the presence of members of the public. All vendors and visitors to school facilities are required to wear a face cover within the guidelines. If needed, the district will provide face covers for visitor use.
Use of plastic face shields: CDC guidelines do not recommend the use of face shields, a clear plastic shield that covers the forehead, wraps around the chin, and wraps around the face, for normal everyday wear or as a substitute for cloth face coverings. Under certain conditions, a face shield can be used as an alternative for those who can’t wear face covers due to medical or other conditions or those who need the visibility of facial expression and lip movements for speech perception. Once that need is no longer present the person would be expected to return to the use of a face cover.
Temporary removal allowed: Temporary removal of coverings to eat, participate in activities or just take a short break are also acceptable. Anoka-Hennepin will follow the directions from the Minnesota Department of Health, see page 7 of their planning guide for direction on face coverings in schools. Parents/guardians with questions about use of face coverings at school should contact the school their student attends for additional information or view the the FAQ page on the district’s COVID-19 website.
It is the goal of the district to safely operate schools, promoting a culture of health and safety among students and staff using face coverings and all the health and safety protocols in place.