OSHKOSH, WI (WLUK) — Face coverings will continue to be required in Oshkosh Area School District facilities through at least early November.
The district extended its requirement for all students, staff and visitors through Nov. 5. The requirement was originally scheduled to end Friday.
The decision is based on a rise in COVID-19 cases among children, according to the district.
“It has been great to have our students and teachers back in school, learning and collaborating in their classrooms,” superintendent Bryan Davis said. “We want to make sure everyone is safe as we see a rising number of positive cases, especially in our student population. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our mitigation measures and safety protocols.”
COVID-19 cases in the district have risen “significantly” since the middle of summer. Over the last five weeks, the number of cases among those under 18 years old has grown from 12 to 160, according to the district.
The district will continue to review mitigation strategies as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Davis said the hope is to lift the requirement and make coverings optional after Nov. 5.
Requiring masks in the district has been a controversial issue. The district’s board postponed a meeting last month after some parents, opposed to the district’s requirement, attended the meeting and refused to comply with orders to wear a mask. The meeting was rescheduled five days later and held virtually.
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