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s students and their teachers statewide prepared to return to classrooms this month, the California Department of Public Health issued safety guidelines regarding the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Essentially the department requires face coverings to be worn by all individuals while indoors on campus, regardless of vaccine status.
The state directive differs from that of the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which only recommends face coverings be worn indoors on campuses.
In both instances face coverings while outside are optional.
Exemptions to the mask mandate may be granted but individuals must meet criteria established by state guidelines.
There are no federal vaccine mandates for teachers or school administrators and staff, though vaccinations are recommended.
The state, however, requires vaccines or weekly testing of school staff. Following is a listing of East County school districts and the masking and vaccine policies they have in place:
CAJON VALLEY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
First day of School: AUG. 17
MASK POLICY: All students and staff must wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks optional outdoors
VACCINE POLICY: Teachers and school staff are required to be fully vaccinated. Those who are not must be screened weekly for COVID-19.
LAKESIDE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
First day of school: Aug.19
MASK POLICY: Required indoors by anyone on campus, regardless of vaccine status. However, masks are not required to be worn indoors at a school site when: working in an office alone or working alone in a room; eating or drinking and seated at least 6 feet away from anyone who is not a member of their immediate household.
VACCINE POLICY: Teachers and school staff are required to be fully vaccinated. Those who are not must be screened weekly for COVID-19.
LEMON GROVE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
First day of school: Aug. 18
MASK POLICY: All people required to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccine status.
VACCINE POLICY: Teachers and school staff are required to be fully vaccinated. Those who are not must be screened weekly for COVID-19.
LA MESA-SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
First day of school: Aug. 11
MASK POLICY: “On school campuses when students are present, masks are required indoors for both adults and students (and any other visitors), unless a documented exemption exists. When outdoors, masking is optional for both adults and students (and any other visitors).”
VACCINE POLICY: “Vaccines are optional but highly encouraged and a strong majority of staff are vaccinated. Per the Governor’s recent order, staff who are not vaccinated will have to provide proof of weekly COVID testing by October 15, at latest.”
SANTEE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
First day of school: Aug. 18
MASK POLICY: Masks required indoors, regardless of vaccine status
VACCINE POLICY: Teachers and school staff are required to be fully vaccinated. Those who are not must be screened weekly for COVID-19.
Grossmont UNION
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
First day of school: Aug. 10
MASK POLICY: “In accordance with the state’s public health order, students must wear face coverings indoors at school. Teachers and staff who are with students indoors must also wear masks. Masks are optional outdoors.”
VACCINE POLICY: “The state of California issued a public health order requiring school staff members to be vaccinated or be tested weekly for COVID. We’ve begun the necessary work to ensure GUHSD is in compliance with the order by October 15 (as required by the state).”
