The big topic of conversation is whether or not elementary, middle, or high school students will be required to wear masks during the upcoming school year.

Like the majority of 2020 and 2021 thus far, it would seem as though adults are split over masks and vaccinations. It really is a sad day in our society when we let this tear about relationships. This is becoming the same for discussing whether our children should or should not be required to wear masks. This article is not to debate the subject, instead, it's to highlight what could be commonality across Northern Illinois school districts.

schoolkids with protection mask against flu virus at lesson
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This week, Oregon School District revealed its tentative plans for the 2021/2022 academic year.

THE BREAKDOWN

  • Handwashing enforced
  • Respiratory "etiquette"
  • Students & staff stay home if there's any sign of contagious illiness and see a physician
  • Students & Staff must stay home if they're sick
  • Students and staff will be required to wear masks while using district transportation.

Regardless of the mask policy at school, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses.

  • Social distancing of at least 3 feet

The next is interesting because it doesn't seem like direct instruction.

  • Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.

Oregon's protocol for quarantining will be updated as well.

We will not be using 14 day quarantine time any longer and will move to 10 days without testing for students. If we have a positive individual who is not responding well, we will move them to a 14 day quarantine period. The quarantine period is reduced to 7 days after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day five or later).

You can read Oregon School District CUSD 220's plan here.

It will be interesting to learn about Rockford Public School and other area districts' plans for the upcoming soon year.

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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