More Nebraska School Districts Considering Mask Requirements

Omaha Public Schools could adopt a new mask requirement as soon as Tuesday, if approved by the district’s school board Monday night.

The school system’s teachers union wrote a letter to the Board of Education last week, asking for a mask requirement, due to rising COVID-19 cases and lagging vaccination rates. On its website, Omaha Public Schools updated its health guidelines for the upcoming school year to read: ‘Pending Board of Education approval, face coverings will be required inside all district schools and offices.’

In central Nebraska, Hastings Public Schools will examine its face mask policy in a meeting Monday. The resolution in front of the board only ‘recommends’ masking for the upcoming school year.

In the previous school year, Hastings required masks but then dropped the mandate in May.

Right now, students 12 years and older are eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, per CDC emergency authorization.