Richardson Independent School District temporarily resumed its mask mandate on Monday, January 10.
The district sent a letter to parents on January 7 explaining why it resumed the requirement, citing the overwhelming rise in COVID-19 infection among its staff and students as their reasoning.
The district has elected to reinstate the rule for a period of three weeks, and reassess January 31 to determine if the mandate will be extended or discontinued.
One parent told CBS 11 News that she believes the district’s decision to enforce masks is the right thing to do.
“I think we need to do what we need to do to protect these kids,” Gaylen Evans, a parent, told CBS 11 News in an interview.
Evans said the mask mandate is necessary in light of the recent rise in infections.
“This is, to me, the most contagious virus that we’ve had thus far,” Evans added.
Richardson ISD also reminded parents to observe their children closely for symptoms each day and refrain from sending their children to school when they are sick or showing symptoms of the virus.
The surge in COVID-19 cases that came with the omicron variant is prompting many North Texas schools to encourage their students and staff to mask up as classes resume. At the beginning of last week, Dallas ISD announced that it would be extending its mask mandate for students until spring break.