Folsom-Cordova Unified School District Ends Mask Mandate

“I am aware of concerns related to the new variant of omicron. I think it is important to protect other people’s health, and my own, so I choose to continue wearing a mask,” said junior Sofia Coriano. 

Unmasked+and+masked+students+working+alongside+each+other.+

Ria Srivastava

Unmasked and masked students working alongside each other.

Ria Srivastava, Editor-in-Chief

FOLSOM, Calif. – As of March 12, 2022, masking is optional but strongly recommended for students and staff within the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District. FCUSD’s COVID-19 dashboard, last updated on March 16, reports zero positive cases at Vista del Lago High School.

The mask mandate lasted for over a year, beginning in March 2021 when students first returned to campus after distance learning. Many students felt the change brought them closer to a sense of normalcy.

“I was really excited when I heard the mask mandate was ending because I want things to go back to normal. But if someone told me that they would feel more comfortable if I wore it, I would,” said senior Maggie Marrs. 

Some teachers changed classroom seating charts to accommodate students with immunocompromised health or vulnerable family members, by giving them the option to sit at least six feet away from unmasked students.

“I want to make sure that kids who need to mask, like those who live in multigenerational homes like me, feel safe and protected,” said teacher Kelly Hillesland. 

Other students report concern related to the novel BA-2 subvariant of omicron, which is “inherently more transmissible” than its predecessor, BA-1, according to the World Health Organization. Researchers say the BA-2 subvariant does not cause more severe infections than BA-1. 

“I am aware of concerns related to the new variant of omicron. I think it is important to protect other people’s health, and my own, so I choose to continue wearing a mask,” said junior Sofia Coriano. 

The topic of masking garnered heated debates within the district. Some students protested the mask mandate, while others encouraged their peers to stay masked. 

“To all our FCUSD students listening or watching, regardless of the board’s decisions or comments tonight, I encourage you to continue wearing masks, not only for your own health, but for the protection of our students who may have immunocompromised siblings, parents, or grandparents at home and are afraid for their safety,” said FCUSD’s student board member Alice Gao. 

Masking for all extracurricular activities, including athletics and clubs, is optional. Weekly testing is no longer required for student athletes. Mandated by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, testing for COVID-19 remains mandatory for unvaccinated staff and volunteers.