A day without a mask mandate for Milwaukee Public Schools

Students enjoyed just one day without a masking requirement before Milwaukee Public Schools reimpose mandatory mask-wearing.

The district’s mask optional policy for students and staff had been slated to take effect on Monday, April 18 — students had the day off on Monday and when they returned to school on Tuesday, they were no longer required to mask up.

But the newly granted freedom was short-lived since MPS announced on Tuesday that masking would be mandatory once again beginning on Wednesday.

“Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has announced that masks will be mandatory for students and staff in all district buildings. The policy will take effect Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The decision was made after determining a significant transmission of the virus within the city of Milwaukee,” a press release noted.

“The mask policy is in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The district has the option to revert to a mask-optional policy if it is determined that there is not a significant risk of virus transmission within the city of Milwaukee and/or the school district.

Masks will continue to be available for students and staff in all district buildings,” the press release added.