School officials are reacting to the new guidelines that could result in masks once again being required for all students and faculty.
Centralia High School Superintendent Chuck Lane, who is part of a group of superintendents who so far have successfully fought for local control over COVID-19 mitigations, says they will review the updated guidance and continue to update their back to school plan. He says they felt it was likely guidance would change and he’s sure this isn’t the last time they will get updated recommendations from state and federal agencies. Lane says their goal is to have students in school five days a week and to keep them safe and that hasn’t changed.
Kaskaskia College President George Evans sent an e-mail to the entire KC family Tuesday night noting the change in guidance the day after the college had issued its own guidance that mask coverings would be optional for vaccinated individuals while those not vaccinated would be required to wear a mask on an honor system. Evans says they may have to make changes, but in the meantime, he is encouraging everyone to move forward together with due diligence, continue to use precautionary measures, including the screening tool, as well as taking advantage of the ample opportunities to become vaccinated. A vaccination clinic is being planned on the KC campus in August.
Evans says Southern Illinois Community College Presidents will be meeting Thursday afternoon to discuss and share protocols and plans for fall as related to the new surge in COVID in some areas due to the Delta variant.
Meanwhile, SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane Tuesday night implemented a face mask requirement in shared spaces indoors such as lobbies, hallways, and classrooms, regardless of vaccination status, effective immediately. He said in a campus-wide e-mail he believes this step is necessary to keep everyone safe and have the in-person fall semester they all want.
