Most Lakes Area Schools will Not Require Masks to Begin School Year

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Most Lakes Area schools will not require masks when the new school year begins.

Masks will not be required for students, staff or visitors at Detroit Lakes Public Schools when classes start on Sept. 7 though the district plans to encourage mask wearing for any staff or student that is not fully vaccinated. Additionally, students will no longer be required to self-quarantine if they have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

The Lake Park-Audubon school district is planning to follow similar guidelines this year says new Superintendent, Tim Godfrey, “We’re going back and keeping things as normal as possible, masks are optional – we want kids to come back and enjoy a normal school year.”

Schools throughout Minnesota are divided on masking in schools when classes begin this fall, Fridley public Schools for instance plans to require ever person in their buildings to wear a mask. Some district leaders throughout the state have had to ask law enforcement for help maintaining the peace when masking policies have been discussed at school board meetings.

Guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health is recommending masks, but has left the final decision to local districts with the ability to change procedures quickly should the need arise.