The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has ended its indoor mask mandate for teachers and students, with schools required to implement the regulation by Wednesday, March 23.

LAUSD announced the change Friday, saying it met and agreed with labor groups and will align itself with the school mask regulations already approved by both the state of California and L.A. County.

“I strongly support ending the indoor mask requirement and am committed to continuing to uphold our science-based approach to COVID-19 safety and protocols,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “I want to personally thank our students, employees and families for their support and patience. We know some in our school communities and offices will continue to wear masks, while others may not. Please consider your situation and do what is best for you or your child. Now that this important issue is behind us, it is time to focus on each student’s full academic potential.”

Just as L.A. County Public Health has repeatedly stated in accordance to the mask regulations, LAUSD will still “strongly recommend” that masks be worn at campuses as the potential for spread of COVID-19 still exists.

LAUSD and United Teachers Los Angeles, the union representing teachers in the district, agreed on multiple terms related to COVID-19 safety.

N95 and KN95 masks will still be provided by the district for any employee who decides to continue to wear one.

Weekly PCR COVID-19 tests will still be provided by the district for both students and teachers, until the end of the 2021-2022 school year in June. Take-home rapid tests will also be provided for baseline testing required before the return from Spring Break.

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