New Hampshire Department of Education and Division of Public Health Services Issue Joint Statement Regarding Masks in Schools

Concord, NH - "As we wrap up the school year and look forward to some of our great summer programming, it is important that we implement policies that will support student learning and overall health.

With levels of COVID-19 in our communities decreasing around the State, the New Hampshire Division of Public Health recommended last week that schools can safely remove masks in outdoor settings, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. As we enter the summer months, it is becoming more difficult for people to wear masks in settings that lack climate control.

While K-12 schools continue to have the ability to set face mask policies for COVID-19 prevention, the New Hampshire Department of Education and Division of Public Health Services recommend that there should be flexibility in school face mask policies so that if situations arise where it becomes potentially unsafe to wear a face mask for prolonged periods of time (e.g., due to the potential for heat exhaustion, dehydration, significant discomfort or inability to wear a face mask, etc.) that steps be taken to allow masks to come off, even in indoor environments. The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services is in the process of updating their general face mask guidance.”

Dr. Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist

Frank Edelblut, Commissioner of Education