The CIAC has just announced that the mask mandate has been lifted for schools after two school years of students and staff at Woodland being required to wear masks.
“I think it is nice to see everyone’s face and people smiling with their friends,” said Kaylin Guiliani, a junior at Woodland. “The removal of masks just makes life feel more normal for everyone.”
On Monday afternoon, Connecticut Governor, Ned Lamont announced he would recommend the mask mandate for schools and day care centers end on February 28th. Districts would then be able to make their final decision based on what they think would be best for their school district.
Woodland High School made the decision in a board meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd, that the mask mandate would be removed. This removal is provoking a lot of different emotions and opinions from students and staff at Woodland; a lot of people are happy to hear the news as it is one step closer to getting back to where we were before the pandemic, while others are nervous about being exposed to other people.
“It almost brings a fear of not knowing what to do if you end up sick,” says Eva Fontes, Woodland student when asked about the mask mandate. “But it forces us to remind ourselves that’s just what life is.”
From being home in quarantine, then going into hybrid schedules, and finally being able to have everyone back at school together, Woodland has been far from normal since 2020. Now removing the mask mandate gives students and staff hope for normalcy.
“The removal of masks finally makes school feel normal again,” said Giuliani. “It’s nice to no longer feel afraid when being near other students.”
The country was still under a federal order that masks are still needed to be worn for public transportation, including school buses, but after a few days students are now able to remove their masks while on the bus based on their preference.
Although masks are not required, it is up to your own comfort levels to decide if you would like to wear the mask or remove it.
“I think it is a good idea [having the option to remove or keep your mask on],” said Fontes, “because it gives the student and faculty the freedom and the option of doing what is best for them.”
