SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Schools (SPS) announced masks will be required at Wilson Elementary School starting on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The requirement will stay in place until Friday, Dec. 16, which is the start of winter break.
The "school is experiencing an increase in absences due to respiratory illnesses including the common cold, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, or other sickness," SPS said in a message sent to parents on Monday night.
The district said roughly 30% of students were absent on Monday.
Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) requires masks to be mandated whenever 20% or more students are absent because of cold and flu-related sicknesses.
The masking requirement includes all students, staff, and visitors at Wilson Elementary during school hours, for the rest of the week. Masks are also encouraged for evening events.
Wilson Elementary will have masks available for students, staff, and visitors.
SPS shared these tips to prevent the spread of respiratory illness:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
- Wear a mask when near others
- Use a tissue to wipe or blow your nose and throw away used tissues
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid sharing cups or eating utensils with others
- Stay up to date on influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
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