Dear Families: We are writing to inform and update you on Governor Wolf's announcement today, Tuesday, August 31, regarding a statewide mask mandate in K-12 educational institutions. This communication outlines the mask requirement, addresses frequently asked questions, and provides context around our steps to create a safe, productive, and joyful learning environment for our young women. Our maxim for this year's theme is to "interpret all things by the best possible point of view." Please know that our COVID-19 Leadership Taskforce has been working diligently to make decisions that support our community needs and cultivate unity.
In accordance with the CDC and the American Pediatric Association (APA), the Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a statewide requirement that all individuals must wear a mask or face covering in all school entities, including public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The order notes that infections in children and teens are on the rise due to the highly contagious Delta variant. Per the mask mandate, beginning on Tuesday, September 7th, all Mount students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear a mask at all times when in school. This will allow us to continue to provide quality teaching and learning in-person experiences, which greatly benefits our students and makes us unique.
We will continue to maximize the use of our outdoor spaces, which will allow for mask breaks, and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, our newly renovated bathroom facilities allow for touchless hand washing and drying and hand sanitizers remain available throughout school facilities.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has compiled a list of FAQs to address questions from family members. Further information on the Order of the Acting Secretary can be found here.
We continue to encourage all community members to get vaccinated. Per recent guidance from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), COVID-19 vaccinations are the single most reliable and effective method of preventing transmission of the virus.
We thank you for your patience and grace as we continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic. We will communicate as needed as state and/or national requirements change.
Sincerely, Sister Charlene Diorka, Liz Blessing, Don Holdren, and Elle Rupert
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