Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,
In a press release issued a few minutes ago, Governor Inslee announced a change to the date the statewide indoor mask mandate will lift. Instead of March 21, the statewide mandate – including in schools – will lift at 11:59 pm on March 11.
The WA DOH is working to update their guidance for schools as quickly as possible. Generally, you can be confident in the fact that the guidance around masking, distancing, and other mitigation measures will become recommendations, instead of requirements.
As a reminder, masks are still required for all students, staff, and visitors in our school buildings by order of the Governor. The statewide order will not be lifted until March 11. In the meantime, school districts have a responsibility to continue to uphold the law.
Governor Inslee shared this information in a press conference at 1 p.m. this afternoon. You can watch the press conference recording on TVW.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about these changes.
Best,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District